First, Peter S. Beagle got the rights to his work back. Then news broke that new live-action and musical versions of The Last Unicorn are in the works. And now there’s something equally exciting on the way: new fiction set in the world of The Last Unicorn. Next spring, Ace Books will publish Beagle’s The Way Home, a collection containing two novellas set in the world of his beloved story.
Should you want to refresh your memory of that story, though, you can pick up an updated edition of The Last Unicorn, with the author’s preferred text and an introduction from Patrick Rothfuss. This edition—which also marks the first time the novel is available as an ebook—will be out this July.
The Last Unicorn was first published in 1968. The classic animated film adaptation (pictured above)—with a legendary voice cast including Alan Arkin, Jeff Bridges, Mia Farrow, Christopher Lee, and Angela Lansbury—was released in 1982, and went on to delight and upset elementary school children for decades. (Don’t get me wrong: I love this movie. But it’s not not distressing when you’re small!) The movie celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
The Way Home, according to a press release, “continues the story of beloved characters unicorn, Molly Grue, and Schmendrick the Magician from the point of view of a young girl named Sooz.” The two works included in the collection are Two Hearts, which won the Hugo and Nebula Awards for Best Novelette in 2006, and Sooz, which has not been previously published. It’s described as “a lyrical story of childhood left behind, dedicated to the love of Beagle’s life, who passed away before it could be published.”
The new edition of The Last Unicorn will be available in July; The Way Home publishes in spring 2023.
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This is incredible news
Hoping we see reissues of more of his books. I would like to see a new edition (to include an eBook) of A Fine and Private Place.
I read “Two Hearts” not too long ago and it’s a great story. Looking forward to read more of Sooz!
While it’s no longer for sale, the 2007 Deluxe Edition with “Two Hearts” was previously sold as a Kindle book. (And since my copy has ISBNs for epub and pdf as well as mobi format, presumably by other ebook vendors as well.) Very glad to hear it’s becoming available again, though!
Just a reminder that A Fine and Private Place was reissued by Tachyon Publications in 2007, with a gorgeous cover by designer Ann Monn. She actually visited the cemetery that Peter referenced in the book, and the cover photo is from that trip. They’ve published many of Peter’s collections as well as his novel Summerlong. https://tachyonpublications.com/product/a-fine-private-place/
Does this mean that his two books which were announced and then were apparently orphaned — I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons, and Sweet Lightning, are now going to get published?
I really hope so
My daughter got her beloved and dog-eared copy of The Last Unicorn that I bought her signed for both of us, by Mr. Beagle at a book store.
This terrific news, i am so excited! I’ve been a fan of the film and the book since i was a little child. They mean so much to me and seeing the characters in a new light will definitely be a joy for me
“Come Lady Death”, ’nuff said.
Two Hearts is a marvel, and might have been my first introduction to Beagle in 2005. At the time, I remember Beagle promising more of Sooz. After some years, I stopped expecting that to come about. Amazing that it really is.