The Armed Garden and Other Stories

By David B.

"The Veiled Prophet" During the 8th century (the time of Harun al-Rashid, the Caliph of 1001 Nights fame), Hakim al-Muqanna, the lowly Persian fabric dyer, is assaulted and enveloped by a piece of white cloth come from the sky. When a bystander recognizes in the folds of the cloth the visage of Abu-Muslim, defender of the oppressed, al-Muqanna becomes a prophet and great leader -- and within a year his followers have defeated seven armies sent to stop him "The Armed Garden," set in the 15th century, tells the story of the bloody quest for a Paradise on Earth. Rohan, a humble Prague blacksmith, is visited by Adam and Even who urge him lead his followers, soon dubbed "Adamites," on this mission. They soon must contend, bloodily, with the rival Paradise-seekers the "Taborites," led by John Zizka "The Drum Who Fell in Love," a sequel of sorts, begins with Zizka's death: His people have him skinned and his skin stripped onto a drum, and the drum, speaking in Zizka's voice, leads the Taborites into battle anew. But the touch of a beautiful girl softens Zizka's spirit, and the unlikely couple begin a journey together...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 160699462X
• ISBN13: 9781606994627
• Release Date: September 2011
• Publisher: Fantagraphics Books
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 1.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.3" x 10.4"
• Age Range: 16 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 11 and higher