Steven Millhauser
Steven Millhauser is an American novelist and short story writer known for his explorations of fantasy, surrealism, and the boundaries between reality and imagination. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1997 for his novel 'Martin Dressler: The Tale of an American Dreamer.'
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. We Others
New and Selected Stories
"We Others: New & Selected Stories" is a collection that brings together a range of captivating short stories, blending the magical with the mundane. The anthology showcases the author's talent for infusing ordinary settings with a sense of wonder, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Readers are treated to a diverse array of narratives, from tales of small-town enchantments to introspective explorations of human nature. The stories, both new and previously published, highlight the author's skill in creating rich, immersive worlds and characters that resonate with a deep understanding of the complexities of life and the human psyche.
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2. Dangerous Laughter
Thirteen Stories
"Dangerous Laughter" is a collection of thirteen short stories that delve into the surreal and fantastical. Each narrative explores unique themes such as a town that becomes obsessed with silent laughter, a man who constructs an enormous tower in his backyard, or a group of teenagers who play a dangerous game of fainting. The stories are filled with rich imagery and intricate details, creating a world that is both familiar and strange, blurring the line between reality and illusion.
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3. Martin Dressler
The Tale of an American Dreamer
The novel follows the life of Martin Dressler, a young entrepreneur in late 19th century New York City. Starting as a cigar shop worker, Martin's ambition and drive lead him to become a successful hotel tycoon. His relentless pursuit of the American Dream, however, leads to his eventual downfall, as his grandiose ideas and projects become increasingly unrealistic and unsustainable. The book explores themes of ambition, the American Dream, and the fine line between success and failure.
The 11452nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
4. Edwin Mullhouse
The Life and Death of an American Writer 1943-1954 by Jeffrey Cartwright
"Edwin Mullhouse" is a novel that intricately explores the life and death of a young boy, Edwin Mullhouse, who dies mysteriously at the age of eleven. The story is narrated by Edwin's best friend and biographer, Jeffrey Cartwright, who meticulously documents Edwin's life from his birth in 1943 to his untimely death in 1954. Set in a small town in Connecticut, the narrative delves deep into Edwin's childhood experiences, his passion for writing, and his complex relationships, all while blurring the lines between reality and fiction. The novel is a profound examination of childhood, creativity, and the nature of biography itself.
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5. Little Kingdoms
This collection of three novellas delves into the realms of imagination and reality, exploring the intricate interplay between the two. Each story unfolds in a world where the ordinary is tinged with the extraordinary, inviting readers to ponder the boundaries of perception and the nature of creativity. The narratives are rich with vivid imagery and a sense of wonder, as characters navigate through fantastical landscapes that challenge their understanding of the world. With a blend of whimsy and introspection, the tales offer a profound reflection on the human experience and the power of storytelling.
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6. Voices In The Night
This collection of short stories delves into the mysterious and often surreal aspects of everyday life, blending the ordinary with the fantastical. Each tale explores the hidden depths of human experience, revealing the strange and unexpected lurking beneath the surface of familiar settings. Through a masterful use of language and imagination, the stories invite readers to question the boundaries between reality and illusion, offering a haunting yet captivating glimpse into the complexities of the human psyche.
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7. The Knife Thrower And Other Stories
A collection of luminous, often uncanny short stories that blend magical realism and psychological insight, exploring obsession, wonder, performance, and the boundary between reality and illusion. Characters encounter elaborate attractions, impossible devices, and strange fixations—carnival acts, invented cities, and miraculous phenomena—that reveal deep yearnings, eccentricities, and the fragile architectures of perception. Witty, elegiac, and sometimes eerie, the stories probe how imagination reshapes everyday life and how spectacle can become a means of self-revelation or self-destruction.
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9. Disruptions
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10. Enchanted Night
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