Tales from Earthsea: The Fifth Book of Earthsea

The fifth book of Earthsea in a beautiful hardback edition, with illustrations from Charles Vess. This collection of stories ranges from a few hundred years before A Wizard of Earthsea to just before The Other Wind, featuring some of Le Guin's most popular characters. It is a memorable exploration of the relationship between life and death, with Ged, its hero, facing his shadow self and contending with the wisdom of dragons.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

The fifth book in Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea series, published in a stunning hardback edition, is now available to complete your collection. This series has truly transformed the way I perceive the world, infusing it with a profound and enchanting magic that goes beyond anything I've encountered before. It's a magic of words, a magic of true speaking, a magic that resonates deeply within.

Neil Gaiman, in his introduction to the series, describes it as "a magic of words, a magic of true speaking." It's a magic that invites you to immerse yourself in its pages, to drink it in, and to dream it. Each story in this collection is a masterpiece, evoking a range of emotions and transporting you to different worlds. From a few hundred years before A Wizard of Earthsea to just before The Other Wind, these five stories feature some of Le Guin's most beloved characters, including the enigmatic Wizard Ged himself.

The stories are complemented by an insightful essay that provides a historical backdrop and deeper insights into the people and culture of Earthsea. This collection is a must-have for any Earthsea fan, as it offers a memorable exploration of the profound relationship between life and death. Ged, the hero of the series, embarks on a journey to confront his shadow self, a powerful force that threatens to consume him. Along the way, he must seek the wisdom of dragons, which is not our wisdom but wisdom nonetheless.

Through his interactions with these mythical creatures, Ged learns to embrace his own imperfections and weaknesses, and in doing so, he becomes whole. The series explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the power of love and friendship. It is a testament to Le Guin's exceptional storytelling abilities and her ability to create characters that are both complex and relatable.

In conclusion, The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin is a magical series that has left an indelible mark on my soul. It's a collection that I will treasure for years to come, and I highly recommend it to anyone who seeks a profound and enchanting literary experience. Drink this magic up, immerse yourself in it, and let it transport you to the depths of your imagination.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 137 x 206 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399602419