The View from the Cheap Seats: Selected Nonfiction

This is a beautiful book, which is not surprising, as this can be said about anything the magician and wizard Neil Gaiman pens. But this collection of his many nonfiction writings through the years is fantastic. This collection comprises an unintentional autobiography as it spans the length of Neil's varied career from journalist, to comic book genius, to novelist, to children's author, to music enthusiast, to husband to the magical musical lady Amanda Palmer. Neil has likely written more introductions to books than any one person ever has, and many of them are included in this collection. I warn you, if you read these generous introductions, your reading list will grow exponentially as these introductions are hallways that lead to many different doors that will open to bright new worlds of his many beloved authors.

This book is worth reading for anyone who is a fan of Gaiman, a fan of creating art, a fan of libraries, a fan of science fiction, a fan of fantasy, or a lover of good writing — it is all here. Recommended By Becky H., Powells.com

Neil Gaiman's nonfiction has finally been collected, and the result is fascinating. Gaiman writes about everything from his favorite authors to his experience premiering a movie at Sundance, increasing both my reading list and my respect for him as one of the best authors of fantastic fiction working today. Recommended By Ashleigh B., Powells.com

An enthralling collection of nonfiction essays on a myriad of topics—from art and artists to dreams, myths, and memories—observed in #1 New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman’s probing, amusing, and distinctive style.

An inquisitive observer, thoughtful commentator, and assiduous craftsman, Neil Gaiman has long been celebrated for the sharp intellect and startling imagination that informs his bestselling fiction. Now, The View from the Cheap Seats brings together for the first time ever more than sixty pieces of his outstanding nonfiction. Analytical yet playful, erudite yet accessible, this cornucopia explores a broad range of interests and topics, including (but not limited to): authors past and present; music; storytelling; comics; bookshops; travel; fairy tales; America; inspiration; libraries; ghosts; and the title piece, at turns touching and self-deprecating, which recounts the author’s experiences at the 2010 Academy Awards in Hollywood.

Insightful, incisive, witty, and wise, The View from the Cheap Seats explores the issues and subjects that matter most to Neil Gaiman—offering a glimpse into the head and heart of one of the most acclaimed, beloved, and influential artists of our time.

"Gaiman’s prose reveals the relaxed intimacy of a cherished dinner partner and never loses sight of the big picture....Highly recommended for readers of Gaiman’s work, specifically, and sf and fantasy generally, as well as those interested in cultural criticism and the art and craft of writing." Library Journal (Starred Review)

"If this book came to you during a despairing night, by dawn you would believe in ideas and hope and humans again. This is a beautiful, beautiful book." Caitlin Moran, journalist and New York Times bestselling author of How to Build a Girl

"Full of devotion and erudition, this is also a glorious love-letter to reading, to writing, to dreaming, to an entire genre." Junot Díaz, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Neil Gaiman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books for readers of all ages, and the recipient of numerous literary awards, including the Shirley Jackson Award and the Locus Award for Best Novelette for his story "The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains." Originally from England, he now lives in America.

My next book is a collection of essays, speeches, and nonfiction of all kinds, called‎ The View from the Cheap Seats. I wrote about everything from reading to music. Here's a playlist loosely inspired by essays and subjects I talk about in the book. It is either willfully eclectic or simply a bit all over the place. Just like the book...

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