The first volume in a distinctive new series, Best American Fantasy collects the best short fiction published in U.S. and Canadian literary magazines and anthologies. The anthology includes some of the best writers of non-realistic, magic realist, and fantasy fiction, including Elizabeth Hand, Kelly Link, and Steven Millhauser.

Sure to become an institution for both mainstream literary and genre fans, Best American Fantasy features a line-up unique among year's best anthologies. Series editor Matthew Cheney is a respected literary blogger and writer who provides a solid grounding for each new volume.

"In a genre where yearly 'best of' volumes often repeat one another, the first in Prime's new annual fantasy anthology series is a breath of eclectic and delightfully innovative fresh air. While the VanderMeers have included such fantasy veterans as Kelly Link and Elizabeth Hand, most of the 29 stories are by nongenre authors as well as gifted newcomers. Among the more memorable tales are Tyler Smith's 'A Troop [sic] of Baboons,' about a troupe of unruly baboon thespians, and Tony D'Souza's whimsical 'The Man Who Married a Tree,' about a man in love with a birch tree. This outstanding entry in the crowded 'best of' stakes may not be the most commercially successful fantasy anthology of the year, but genre and mainstream fiction fans alike will be pleasantly surprised by these unconventional short fiction gems." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"'In a genre where yearly 'best of' volumes often repeat one another, the first in Prime's new annual fantasy anthology series is a breath of eclectic and delightfully innovative fresh air. While the VanderMeers have included such fantasy veterans as Kelly Link and Elizabeth Hand, most of the 29 stories are by nongenre authors as well as gifted newcomers. Among the more memorable tales are Tyler Smith's 'A Troop [sic] of Baboons,' about a troupe of unruly baboon thespians, and Tony D'Souza's whimsical 'The Man Who Married a Tree,' about a man in love with a birch tree. This outstanding entry in the crowded 'best of' stakes may not be the most commercially successful fantasy anthology of the year, but genre and mainstream fiction fans alike will be pleasantly surprised by these unconventional short fiction gems. (July)' Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)"

A prestigious new anthology series, Best American Fantasy is guest edited by Ann and Jeff VanderMeer, with Matthew Cheney serving as the series editor. This inaugural volume showcases the best North American fantasy short fiction from the preceding year.