In this acclaimed collection of short stories, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stephen Millhauser shares the dark suspense and humor that have gained him a cult following. Millhauser's imagination and creativity are on full display with stories featuring artists gone mad, egomaniacal architects, and a historical society that's given up its chronicling of history. Characterized by 'phenomenal clarity and rapacious movement' each story 'focuses on the misery wrought by misdirected human desire and ambition.' (Publishers Weekly)