The View from the Cheap Seats Selected Nonfiction

Neil Gaiman — 2016

An enthralling collection of nonfiction essays on a myriad of topics—from art and artists to dreams, myths, and memories—observed in #1 New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman’s probing, amusing, and distinctive style. An inquisitive observer, thoughtful commentator, and assiduous craftsman, Neil Gaiman has long been celebrated for the sharp intellect and startling imagination that informs his bestselling fiction. Now, The View from the Cheap Seats brings together for the first time ever more than sixty pieces of his outstanding nonfiction. Analytical yet playful, erudite yet accessible, this cornucopia explores a broad range of interests and topics, including (but not limited to): authors past and present; music; storytelling; comics; bookshops; travel; fairy tales; America; inspiration; libraries; ghosts; and the title piece, at turns touching and self-deprecating, which recounts the author’s experiences at the 2010 Academy Awards in Hollywood. Insightful, incisive, witty, and wise, The View from the Cheap Seats explores the issues and subjects that matter most to Neil Gaiman—offering a glimpse into the head and heart of one of the most acclaimed, beloved, and influential artists of our time.

Reviews

Laura Mauler@blueskygreenstrees

Dec 25, 2023

The cover's quote said that if one was to start reading this book on a night of despair, then by morning one's faith in humanity would be restored. Well, Trump had just been sworn in, so the despair was real. Did this book restore my faith in humanity? Of course it did, it's Neil Gaiman! Plus I got loads of suggestions for interesting authors, books, bands, albums, and magazines.

Eugenia Andino@laguiri

Nov 20, 2021

Gaiman es un excelente autor de ensayos, introducciones y otros textos explicativos. Casi todos los que componen este libro están muy bien, aunque tiene un par de defectos: por una parte, las repeticiones. Evidentemente, si lo invitan a dar una conferencia sobre literatura infantil, ¿cuántas veces puede dar los mismos argumentos con distintas palabras? En segundo lugar, buena parte del libro está compuesta de introducciones y presentaciones a autores que el lector de Gaiman quizá desconozca. A veces son intrigantes y dan ganas de leer lo reseñado, y otras, no tanto. No está mal que se recopilen la no ficción de un autor tan prolífico. Pero se echa de menos algo más compacto.

A Quiet Little Library@a_quiet_little_library

Oct 29, 2021

3.75

Momo@novelallure

Aug 25, 2021

Neil Gaiman quickly became one of my favourite authors and this was the second book of his that I read. The View From The Cheap Seats is a variation of witty and funny accounts of Neil Gaiman's experiences in the publishing industry and what has life was like before during and after becoming a well known author. There are many references to other renowned authors such as Stephen King and books that inspired him throughout the years. I really loved this book because it felt like you were getting to know Neil Gaiman.