The culmination has got to be the title novella, a retelling of the tragedy of Tristan and Ysolt. Here the writing assumes the richness of medieval tapestry and Millhauser catches all the atmosphere and spirit of the age with castles and hunts and horrendous punishments and wandering minstrels and incessant court intrigue. Through all this runs a powerful undertow of relentless, unstoppable desire, lust and betrayal and, again, Millhauser uses subtlety, metaphor and innuendo like a rapier. The story is narrated by Thomas of Cornwall, advisor to the King and, ultimately, a protector of love and of the king despite all his self-doubt: "I, Thomas of Cornwall, prince of parchment, lord of black ink, king of all space, summoner of souls, guardian of ghosts, friend of the pear tree and the silence of waves, companion to all those who watch in the night." Is this a cameo of Millhauser himself? Certainly he is the guardian of ghosts, the lord of black ink, the prince of parchment and a summoner of souls.

This book is excruciatingly beautiful. It sets a standard by which, surely, all writing must be measured and most of today's publishing can only be found wanting. Here is everything: craft that is not just impeccable but pitch-perfect, thoughts and expressions of thoughts that are incisive and wounding, characters which, though set eons apart in time, are real and palpable, perceptions and insights into the human psyche that leave you open-mouthed in awe.

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