Mark Helprin Books

An old man's magnificent tale of love and war-a recapitulation of a life and a reckoning with mortality told by one of America's most acclaimed novelists.

This hardcover volume features a complete collection of Helprin's "Swan Lake" novellas, including "Swan Lake," "The Veil of Snows," and "A City in Winter," accompanied by 42 stunning full-color illustrations by Van Allsburg. The book is presented as a signed, numbered edition, limited to just 300 copies, and comes in a luxurious slipcase, making it a unique addition for collectors and fans of illustrated literature.

This collection features a series of enchanting short stories by Mark Helprin, renowned for his lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling. Each tale offers a unique glimpse into the human experience, blending elements of fantasy and reality. Helprin's work is celebrated for its rich imagery and emotional depth, inviting readers to explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The collection showcases the author's distinctive voice, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction and those seeking profound reflections on life.

Jules is confronted headlong and all at once by a series of challenges to his principles, livelihood, and home, forcing him to grapple with his complex past and find a way forward. He risks fraud to save his terminally ill infant grandson, matches wits with a renegade insurance investigator, is drawn into an act of savage violence, and falls deeply, excitingly in love with a young cellist a third his age. He forges a denouement that is staggering in its humanity, elegance, and truth.

This book is described as strange and wondrous, offering a unique and enriching experience that challenges readers. Its beauty and power set it apart, ensuring that it stands out in the literary landscape. The promise of an unparalleled encounter suggests that the themes and insights within are both profound and thought-provoking.

Exploring profound themes of love, faith, and loss, this collection features twenty compelling stories that resonate with universal human experiences. From an American priest grappling with his beliefs at death's door to a young man's discovery of love in a Bronx factory, each narrative offers a unique perspective on life's challenges. The characters, including an Israeli scout and a Sicilian widow, navigate their personal struggles against the backdrop of larger societal issues, showcasing the author's mastery of storytelling.

The journey of an orphaned immigrant unfolds through diverse and transformative experiences, starting in the Hudson River Valley and leading to Harvard. His adventures take him to sea on a British merchant ship, showcasing resilience and adaptability. Ultimately, he returns to his roots, where he becomes an Israeli soldier during the Yom Kippur War, highlighting themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of war on personal history.

From Mark Helprin, acclaimed author of A Soldier of the Great War and A Winter's Tale, comes a miraculous song of the twentieth century. In a mountain garden in Brazil, an old American is writing his memoirs, placing the pages carefully in his antproof case. As he reminisces we learn he was a World War II ace who was shot down twice, an investment banker who met with popes and presidents, a multimillionaire, a man who was never not in love. He spent his adolescence in an insane asylum in Switzerland; he was the thief of the century, a murderer, and a protector of the innocent. And all his life, he waged a valiant, losing, one-man battle against the world's most insidious enslaver: coffee.

The collection features ten stories alongside the titular novella "Ellis Island," showcasing a remarkable diversity in style and technique. Each piece is intricately woven together by themes of beauty and the exploration of enduring, universal questions, reflecting the author's mastery and depth. Awarded the Prix de Rome and the National Jewish Book Award, the work stands out for its artistic range and profound insights.

The two-time Caldecott medalist illustrates Mark Helprin's enchanting story of the characters in Tchaikovsky's famous ballet.