In Beyond Horatio's Philosophy: The Fantasy of Peter S. Beagle, David Stevens examines the fantasy of American writer Peter S. Beagle. He finds a consistent view of the world and an almost overpowering sense of humor, leading him to conclude that Beagle believes that love is the best thing we have and the only reason for living. His work will be read and enjoyed for generations to come, and Stevens tells you why. Beagle indulges in what Stevens terms "metaphysical speculations": a working-out of the possibilities of the world being different than it is. He invites the reader to examine these speculations with him, and when we do, to come away from the experience as better men and women, believing in the transforming power of love and laughing at ourselves in the process. No writer could ask for more, or succeed better. Beagle would have us believe, to paraphrase Shakespeare's Hamlet, that there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy.

Complete with bibliography and index.