Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman is a British author known for his works of fiction, including novels, short stories, graphic novels, and films. He is acclaimed for his imaginative storytelling and has received numerous awards for his contributions to literature.
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. American Gods
A recently released convict discovers that his wife and best friend died in a car accident. He then meets a mysterious stranger who hires him as a bodyguard. As they journey across America, it is revealed that the stranger is an old god, traveling to rally his fellow forgotten deities to wage a war against the new American gods born from society's modern obsessions with media, technology, drugs, celebrity, and more. The story blends elements of fantasy, mythology, and Americana to explore themes of faith, belief, and the nature of American identity.
The 1196th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Good Omens
The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
"Good Omens" is a humorous take on the biblical Apocalypse, following an angel and a demon who have grown fond of Earth and its inhabitants, and are not too keen on the impending end of the world. As they try to locate the misplaced Antichrist and prevent the Four Horsemen from bringing about Armageddon, they encounter an array of quirky characters, including witch-hunters, modern-day witches, and the Four Horsemen themselves. The novel combines comedy, fantasy, and philosophical themes, offering a satirical critique of religious prophecy and human nature.
The 1572nd Greatest Book of All Time -
3. Sandman
Preludes & Nocturnes
"Sandman" is a dark and fantastical series that follows the character Dream, also known as Morpheus, one of the seven Endless who personify certain universal concepts that transcend beyond gods. The narrative explores Dream's realm and responsibilities, his interactions with humans, gods, and his own family, as well as the consequences when he is captured and subsequently escapes after 70 years. The series is renowned for its blending of myth, history, and contemporary issues, creating a richly nuanced universe that delves into the nature of storytelling itself.
The 1600th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. Neverwhere
In this dark and imaginative fantasy, a young Londoner named Richard Mayhew finds his mundane life turned upside down when he stumbles upon a young woman named Door, bleeding on the sidewalk. After aiding her, he is thrust into the shadowy, parallel world of London Below, a realm of magic, danger, and intrigue that exists beneath the streets of London Above. As Richard journeys through this eerie underworld with a cast of bizarre and fantastical characters, he must confront malevolent forces and unravel a complex conspiracy to help Door discover why her family was murdered, all while trying to find a way back to his old life.
The 3211th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Coraline
A young girl named Coraline Jones moves into a new home and discovers a secret door leading to an alternate version of her life, where her "Other Mother" and "Other Father" reside. Although this parallel world seems better at first, she soon realizes that her Other Parents want to keep her there permanently and that they are not as they appear. Coraline must use her bravery and wits to save herself and her real parents, who have been kidnapped by the Other Mother, and free the souls of other children trapped in this alternate world.
The 3463rd Greatest Book of All Time -
6. The Graveyard Book
The novel follows the unusual life of a boy named Nobody "Bod" Owens who, after his family is murdered, is raised by the supernatural inhabitants of a graveyard. Under the protection of ghosts and his guardian, who is neither living nor dead, Bod learns about the living world and the dangers it holds, including the man Jack who continues to hunt for him. As he grows up among tombstones and crypts, Bod explores the limits of his graveyard home, encounters creatures of the night, and ultimately confronts the sinister forces that took his family from him, all while trying to lead a normal life despite his extraordinary upbringing.
The 4515th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. The Ocean at the End of the Lane
The protagonist, a middle-aged man, returns to his childhood home for a funeral and is drawn to the farm at the end of the road where he encounters a pond that was once an ocean in his childhood memories. He recalls a series of strange and terrifying events that occurred when he was seven, involving the mystical Hempstock women who live on the farm and their battle against malevolent supernatural entities that threatened his existence. The book explores themes of memory, magic, and the darkness that lies beneath the surface of everyday life.
The 7854th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. Stardust
"Stardust" by Neil Gaiman is a fairy tale adventure set in the land of Faerie. The story follows the journey of a young man named Tristran Thorn, who sets out to capture a fallen star in order to win the heart of his true love. Along the way, he encounters a variety of magical creatures and characters, including witches, unicorns, and a ruthless prince. As Tristran navigates the dangers and wonders of Faerie, he learns valuable lessons about love, sacrifice, and the power of destiny.
The 7858th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. Anansi Boys
"Anansi Boys" is a fantastical novel that follows the life of Fat Charlie Nancy, a mild-mannered man who is shocked to discover that his estranged father was the African spider god, Anansi. After his father's death, Fat Charlie's life is turned upside down when he meets his charming and charismatic brother, Spider, who has inherited their father's powers. As Spider begins to wreak havoc on Fat Charlie's life, the two brothers embark on a wild adventure through the spirit world, encountering gods, ghosts, and other supernatural beings along the way. With humor, heart, and a touch of magic, "Anansi Boys" is a thrilling and imaginative tale about family, identity, and the power of storytelling.
The 9199th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. Art Matters
Because Your Imagination Can Change the World
"Art Matters" is a collection of essays and speeches that delve into the importance and impact of creativity in our lives. The book champions the idea that art, in all its forms, is a crucial aspect of the human experience, serving as a vehicle for expression, a means of communication, and a catalyst for change. Through personal anecdotes and persuasive arguments, the author encourages readers to embrace their own artistic impulses and to recognize the transformative power of storytelling. The work is a call to action, urging society to acknowledge the value of imagination and to support the arts as a fundamental component of culture and personal growth.
The 12494th Greatest Book of All Time -
12. Fortunately, The Milk
A Tale of Adventure, Danger, and Milk
In this whimsical and imaginative tale, a father embarks on an extraordinary adventure while on a simple errand to buy milk for his children's breakfast. Along the way, he encounters a series of fantastical characters and situations, including time-traveling dinosaurs, pirates, aliens, and a volcano god. Each encounter adds to the wild and humorous narrative, as the father cleverly navigates these challenges to ensure he returns home with the milk. The story celebrates creativity and the power of storytelling, delighting readers with its playful twists and turns.
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13. The Sandman, Vol. 6
Fables & Reflections
In this volume, the narrative weaves together a series of interconnected stories that explore themes of identity, transformation, and the power of storytelling. The central plot follows the character of Barbie, who embarks on a surreal journey through a dream realm called The Land, where she must confront her past and the forces threatening her existence. As Barbie navigates this fantastical world, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own struggles and desires, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of dreams and reality. The volume delves into the complexities of personal growth and the impact of dreams on the waking world, all while maintaining a rich tapestry of myth and imagination.
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14. The Sandman, Vol. 5
A Game of You
In this volume, the narrative weaves together a collection of interconnected stories that explore themes of identity, transformation, and the power of storytelling. The central plot revolves around the character of Barbie, who finds herself drawn back into a fantastical dream world she once ruled as a princess. As she navigates this realm, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique struggles and desires. The story delves into the complexities of dreams and reality, ultimately highlighting the profound impact of imagination and the enduring nature of personal journeys.
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15. The Sandman, Vol. 4
Season of Mists
In this volume, the narrative follows the journey of the protagonist, Dream, as he embarks on a quest to rescue his former lover, Nada, from the depths of Hell. The story delves into themes of love, redemption, and the consequences of past actions, as Dream confronts Lucifer, who has unexpectedly decided to abandon his reign over Hell. As Dream navigates the complexities of the underworld and encounters various mythological and supernatural beings, he is forced to confront his own vulnerabilities and the intricate web of relationships that define his existence. The tale is rich with dark fantasy elements, exploring the intricate balance between power, responsibility, and the enduring impact of personal choices.
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16. The Sandman, Vol. 3
Dream Country
In the third volume of this graphic novel series, the narrative delves into a collection of interconnected tales exploring themes of dreams, mythology, and the human condition. The stories weave through various settings and time periods, introducing characters who encounter the enigmatic figure of Dream, also known as Morpheus. As these characters grapple with their desires, fears, and destinies, the volume examines the intricate balance between reality and the dream world, highlighting the profound impact of dreams on both individual lives and the broader tapestry of existence.
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17. The Sandman, Vol. 2
The Doll's House
In the second volume of this graphic novel series, the narrative follows Dream, one of the Endless, as he embarks on a quest to reclaim his stolen artifacts of power. The story weaves through a dark and fantastical world where Dream encounters a range of mythical and historical figures, including Cain and Abel, Lucifer, and John Constantine. As Dream navigates through Hell and other realms, he confronts themes of power, redemption, and the intricate nature of dreams and reality. The volume blends horror, mythology, and fantasy, exploring the complexities of the human psyche and the consequences of desire and ambition.
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18. Preludes & Nocturnes
The book follows the journey of Dream, one of the Endless, who is captured and imprisoned by a group of occultists. After escaping decades later, Dream embarks on a quest to reclaim his lost artifacts of power, which are scattered across various realms and have fallen into the hands of both mortals and supernatural beings. As he retrieves these items, Dream encounters a range of characters, including John Constantine, Lucifer, and Doctor Destiny, each presenting unique challenges and insights into the nature of dreams and reality. The narrative weaves together themes of power, redemption, and the intricate tapestry of human and cosmic existence.
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19. Norse Mythology
The book offers a vivid retelling of ancient Norse myths, bringing to life the legendary tales of gods, giants, and heroes from the Norse pantheon. It delves into the adventures and exploits of figures such as Odin, the wise and cunning All-Father; Thor, the mighty thunder god; and Loki, the mischievous trickster. Through a series of interconnected stories, the narrative explores themes of creation, betrayal, and the inevitable doom of Ragnarok, the end of the world. The author captures the timeless allure and complexity of these myths, presenting them with a modern sensibility while staying true to their original spirit.
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20. A Study In Emerald
Set in an alternate Victorian England where the Great Old Ones rule, the story follows a detective and his companion as they investigate a gruesome murder. The narrative cleverly intertwines elements of classic detective fiction with Lovecraftian horror, revealing a world where humanity is subjugated by ancient, god-like beings. As the investigation unfolds, the detective uncovers a web of intrigue and rebellion, leading to a surprising twist that challenges the nature of heroism and villainy in a world dominated by eldritch powers.
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21. Der Ozean Am Ende Der Straße
The novel follows an unnamed protagonist who returns to his hometown for a funeral and is drawn back to his childhood memories, particularly his friendship with a mysterious girl named Lettie Hempstock. As he revisits the Hempstock farm, he recalls a series of otherworldly events that occurred when he was seven, involving dark forces unleashed by a malevolent creature. The story explores themes of memory, the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, and the enduring impact of childhood experiences, as the protagonist confronts the haunting and magical elements of his past.
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22. Smoke And Mirrors
Short Fictions and Illusions
This collection of short stories and poems weaves together elements of fantasy, horror, and mythology, exploring the boundaries between reality and illusion. Each tale delves into the human psyche, revealing hidden fears, desires, and the darker aspects of human nature. Through a blend of the fantastical and the mundane, the stories challenge perceptions and invite readers to question the nature of truth and the power of storytelling. The narratives are rich with Gaiman's signature wit and imagination, offering a diverse array of characters and settings that captivate and unsettle in equal measure.