The Last Unicorn

Peter S. Beagle

There is a unicorn in her woods, living her immortal life, content with her surroundings. But after a while she realizes something is different. After talking with passers by, she begins to wonder if there are any other unicorns left in the world. She goes on a quest to find the other unicorns in the world.

She hears rumors of a Red Bull. This Bull seems to have threatened the unicorns. On her search for the unicorns and the Bull, she falls captive to a witch and her wandering circus. Mommy Fortuna and her magician, Schmedrick, make the cages appear to have mythological animals in them. Now she has a real unicorn in one cage. Schmedrick is an incompetant magician, but is sympathetic to her condition. She gains a companion on her quest. As the adventures continue she gains more allies.

The novel describes unicorns in a different way. She does not look like a mare if seen properly, but that is what most people see. It takes a special knowledge to recognize her reality. The novel is written like a fairy tale. It has unicorns, magicians, an evil king, a young hero, and people in distress. While it flows, it does not grip. I enjoyed it, yet could put it down at any time, even towards the end.

Also, check out the quick, tongue-in-cheek abridgement at