Much admired in Europe, Landolfi has been called "the Italian Kafka"; he is often linked with the Surrealists, and in the intellectual quality of his fantasy there are certain affinities with Borges; but beyond these superficial comparisons, his is a truly unique—and fascinating—art. It is based in a prodigious imagination, a very curious sense of humor and a rare command of irony. The short stories included are:

• Gogol's Wife
• Pastoral
• Dialogue on the Greater Harmonies
• The Two Old Maids
• Wedding Night
• The Death of the King of France
• Giovanni and His Wife
• Sunstroke
• A Romantic's Letter on Gambling