Lord Dunsany's Tales of Wonder: Stories from a Magical World

When in doubt about why the world is topsy-turvy or why humans can at times be so horrific with one another, it is always best to remember the words of Nietzsche who in trying to understand his fellowmen and his own place in the cosmos wisely stated, "Too long the earth has been a madhouse." Sadly, our old philosopher who himself went insane at the end of his life, is telling us a truism that is (and the pun is intended) too true. Indeed, the only way to make sense of life is to realize that it is ultimately senseless.

I write this precisely because in a Darwinian universe (where the only presiding dictum is "survive long enough to pass on one's genetic code") we should be allowed-indeed encouraged-to have moments of ecstatic respite from the onslaughts of such a cruel and mindless existence. No wonder art and music have held such a deep and abiding fascination for us, regardless of our economic station in life. As Nietzsche opined, "Without music, life would be a mistake." To which I would add literature, sport, and or any diversion that provides us with a moment of unexpected bliss. We have been engaged far too long in moments of pain and suffering and anything that can offer us a glimpse of solace, of hope, of entertainment, is to be welcomed with open arms and open hearts.

It is for this very reason that I am happy to announce that the MSAC Philosophy Group has decided to republish Lord Dunsany's remarkable book, Tales of Wonder that in this edition has the newly added subtitle, "Stories from a Magical World."

"Lord Dunsany" was Edward Plunkett's pen name and he was a very successful author of numerous books, plays, and short stories. He possessed a remarkable imagination and created fantastical landscapes peopled with unique characters.
To read his short stories is to be transported to another time and to another place and in the midst of it all to be enthralled with the marvel of it all. His creative method perhaps gives us a glimpse into this unusual man: "Dunsany's writing habits were considered peculiar by some. Lady Beatrice said that 'He always sat on a crumpled old hat while composing his tales.' (The hat was eventually stolen by a visitor to Dunsany Castle.) Dunsany almost never rewrote anything; everything he ever published was a first draft. Much of his work was penned with quill pens, which he made himself; Lady Beatrice was usually the first to see the writings, and would help type them. It has been said that Lord Dunsany would sometimes conceive stories while hunting, and would return to the Castle and draw in his family and servants to re-enact his visions before he set them on paper."
It is our hope that this new edition will serve as an introduction for new readers to enjoy the timeless stories of Lord Dunsany.