A must-have collection from one of the literary world's finest thinkers and stylists. From the celebrated author of The New York Trilogy, Moon Palace and The Book of Illusions, comes a highly personal collection of essays, prefaces and occasional pieces written for magazines and newspapers. Ranging in subject from Walter Raleigh to Kafka; Hawthorne to high-wire artist Philippe Petit; conceptual artist Sophie Calle to his own typewriter; and The World Trade Centre catastrophe to his beloved New York City itself, Auster displays all his customary flair, wit and insight.