| The Labyrinth of Dreaming Books | |
|---|---|
 Labyrinth of Dreaming Books | |
| General Information | |
| Author: | Walter Moers |
| Illustrator: | Walter Moers |
| Translator: | John Brownjohn |
| Publication date: | 2011 (Germany) |
| Publication Order | |
| Preceded by | The Alchemaster's Apprentice |
| followed by: | Prinzessin Insomnia & der alptraumfarbene Nachtmahr (by publication)
The Castle of Dreaming Books (chronologically) |
The Labyrinth of Dreaming Books is the sixth book in the Zamonia series (the fifth one translated) and the immediate sequel to The City of Dreaming Books; and features some of the same principal characters. It's in-universe author is Optimus Yarnspinner.
Plot[]
At the beginning of the story, Optimus Yarnspinner has become a best-selling author, but in so doing has lost the art of inspired writing (known as the 'Orm'), and lately become a mediocre writer. In the midst of a semiretired life, he is surprised by a letter written apparently by himself to himself, from Bookholm, and returns to that city in search of its true author. Once there, he reconnects with a compatriot, Ovidius Versewhetter, whose choral poem on the burning and restoration of Bookholm is the city's principal souvenir. From the dying Ahmed ben Kibitzer (a Nocturnomath, and long-time friend of his), Yarnspinner learns that the author is most likely Homuncolossus. Shortly thereafter, Yarnspinner is introduced by another friend, Inazia Azinazi, to the puppet-theatre run by [[Corodiak Smyke]], and becomes an enthusiastic scholar of the puppetry practiced throughout modern Bookholm. When invited by Corodiak to a special performance in the catacombs, Yarnspinner is stranded therein; and the story concludes therewith.