Electric . . . this rich collection of essays, reviews, interviews and more . . . are not only the backstory to his fictional method, but often another expression of it -- Tim Adams - Observer

Engagingly whimsical . . . a wry sense of humour . . . there are gems to be mined. And, like real precious stones, they are found in unlikely places - Economist

Glimmering insight and wit . . . incisive . . . reading this book is time spent with a first-rate mind -- Chris Power - The Sunday Times

Playful . . . unfailingly stimulating . . . there are plenty of delights -- John Self - Guardian

It is for these moments of pathos, irony and honesty, when palaces of dazzling reflection are swept aside and the most adventurous thinking is undone, that one reads Italo Calvino -- Tim Parks - TLS

Intelligent, witty, pleasingly erudite and razor-sharp -- Alberto Manguel - Literary Review

Wonderful . . . surveys his varied interests and discerning style . . . Calvino's prose is sparkling as ever, and he approaches ideas with wit and an open mind, always ready to challenge a stale point of view. This anthology will delight Calvino fans old and new - Publishers Weekly

Italo Calvino, one of Italy's finest postwar writers, has delighted readers around the world with his deceptively simple, fable-like stories. Calvino was born in Cuba in 1923 and raised in San Remo, Italy; he fought for the Italian Resistance from 1943-45. His majo