From the author of Lovecraft Country: Myth and reality collide on a college campus “in a comic fantasy of wonderful energy, invention, and generosity of spirit” (Alison Lurie). Stephen Titus George is a young writer-in-residence at Cornell University in upstate New York. A bestselling author in search of a new story, he sees his life as a modern-day fairy tale starring himself as a would-be knight trying to woo a lovely maiden—or, actually, two: the bewitching Calliope and his guiding light, Aurora Borealis Smith. But he’s not quite in control of the narrative. There’s another writer with even greater influence on campus. The unseen Mr. Sunshine is an eternal, semi-retired deity who’s been fashioning his own story for centuries. He has all his characters in place: dragons, sprites, gnomes, and villains. And now, finally, his hero. As Mr. Sunshine’s world comes to fabulous and violent life, how can Stephen decide his own fate if it’s already being plotted by a god? An epic of life and death, good and evil, love and sorcery, Fool on the Hill lands Matt Ruff happily on the shelf between Tom Robbins and J. R. R. Tolkien for every lover of the “funky and fantastical” (New York magazine). “Inspired . . . rich in flavorful language . . . [a] dazzling tour de force.” —San Francisco Chronicle “The plot comes together like a brilliant clockwork toy.” —Locus

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why. —Mark Twain Dr. Cubit’s memoir, Fool’s Hill: The Meaning Why! As displayed on the front cover, an angry young man is about to climb a hill, which represents the challenge of discovering his meaning why. There is a path to follow; however, the young man cannot see what lies ahead because of the dark clouds. The front cover displays one path, which he must traverse Fool’s Hill to discover his meaning why and fulfill his destination in life. The young man is unclothed, indicating that he does not have the necessities or tools to navigate Fool’s Hill or the wherewithal to choose what he needs to make the journey. The back cover displays the same young man who is older now after enduring the challenges of climbing Fool’s Hill. Along the way, he finds his meaning why. Moreover, because of the lessons learned from his journey, he is fully clothed and prepared. Equipped with tools, on one hand is a doctorate degree, and on the other is a hiking pole to help him avoid trips and falls. In addition, instead of a dark path as displayed on the front cover, the bridge on the back cover represents a straightforward path to fulfilling his meaning why. On the back cover, in the background, are more hills to master. Still, because of overcoming life’s challenges and the tools acquired, the hills appear much smaller. Moreover, the scenery displayed on the back cover helps him not to forget that future challenges may exist. The scenery also helps him realize the beauty of his journey and to bestow gratitude for his relationship with God, which helped him overcome the obstacles along his path, in addition to the blessings and serendipities acquired. The man looks beyond and can now use his God-given talents and tools to continue his journey and enhance his meaning why. Ergo, Dr. Cubit's life in the memoir Fool’s Hill: The Meaning Why!

Stephen, Josie and Simon are three students who meet for the first time at an English tutorial at Victoria University, Wellington, 1963. Drugs and protest are unknown, the macho cult of rugby still counts for more than intellect, the pubs close at six o'clock. Society is complacent, conforming and appararently unchanging. But the subsequent coming-of-age of the trio and their friends over the next six years coincides with a sexual and political revolution which blows them all apart. They become caught in personal and political struggles to come to terms with the new realities, at a time when both those who cling to the old values and those who embrace the new find their sense of security threatened.

When Punxsutawney Phyllis forcasts a blizzard on April Fools' Day the same day as the Spring Treasure Hunt -- the other groundhogs are convinced that Phyllis is pulling a prank. Includes information of the origins of April Fools' day and how it is celebrated around the world.

Originally written in 1938 but never published due to its controversial nature, an insightful guide reveals the seven principles of good that will allow anyone to triumph over the obstacles that must be faced in reaching personal goals.

Originally published: Great Britain: Faber & Faber, 2016.