I got this fair-condition hardcover at the big library book sale in Chelmsford MA. I've enjoyed a lot of Thurber's work, and while I prefer his essays (as in My Life and Hard Times) to his fantasy, it's all good! (Thurber himself calls this "an example of escapism and self-indulgence", which he recommends now and then to keep us sane...)

From the once-upon-a-time opening that introduces the gloomy castle (with 13 clocks that wouldn't go), the cold Duke ("We all have flaws, and mine is being wicked"), and the warm Princess, the story's both a fable and a bit of a pastiche (the helpful Golux gets described as "You mere Device! You platitude! You Golux ex machina!").

Marc Simont's whimsical illustrations enhance the story; I especially liked the frontspiece with a knight in armor standing over some little birds that were happily pecking at crumbs.

[There's a TV Tropes page for the book, with the intriguing tidbit that Neil Gaiman loves this book - now, that's a recommendation!]

I plan to leave this book on the book-swap shelf in the Tyngsboro post office lobby at around 11 or so; hope the finder enjoys it!

*** Released as part of the 2013 TICK TOCK release challenge. ***

*** Released as part of the 2013 Halloween Spooktacular release challenge, for the creepy shadows on the cover. ***