Doctor Rat

by William Kotzwinkle

Published 1 January 1976
This World Fantasy Award winner in the vein of Animal Farm delves into a lab worthy of a mad Nazi scientist-but run by a brilliantly sadistic rodent.

In the annals of American literature, there has never been a character quite like Doctor Rat, PhD. From one of the most indispensable storytellers in speculative fiction, this biting satire introduces a narrator of learned charm and humor, and a twisted logic that is absolutely chilling.

Doctor Rat is a credit to his species. A survivor of the most refined scientific experiments, now removed from the maze, he has become a valued and productive member of the academic community. When he must administer a lethal dose, he comforts his fellow rats with his compassionate slogan: "Death is freedom."

But everything changes when animals worldwide begin to rebel, refusing to accept their proper places in the natural order of things: as test subjects, pets, or food. And only Doctor Rat has the courage to defend mankind from the ungrateful animal kingdom.

Hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "dazzlingly original" and "occasionally quite beautiful," Doctor Rat is a sly and stylish indictment of fanaticism in mice and men.

"A truly imaginative impresario . . . [Doctor Rat] teases your conscience with educated wit and versatile improvisation, not to mention the casual flick of the tail about to be cut off." -Kirkus Reviews

Fata Morgana

by William Kotzwinkle

Published 1 January 1977
Fata Morgana follows the adventure of a young boy through the landscapes of his imagination. He encounters and befriends creatures that are, like all mirages, born out of aspects of his own unconscious. Presented in vibrantly colored two-page panoramas, Fata Morgana is a feast for the eyes and mind. Jon Vermilyea is a multitalented Los Angeles--based illustrator, cartoonist, animator, and printmaker. His psychedelic, candy-colored illustrations and unique designs of the monstrous and mythical have left their mark on a wide range of clients including Problem Solverz, Adventure Time, Marvel Comics, the acclaimed alternative band Animal Collective, and many more.