The State of the ArtThe first ever collection of Iain Banks's short fiction, this volume includes the acclaimed novella, The State of the Art. This is a striking addition to the growing body of Culture lore, and adds definition and scale to the previous works by using the Earth of 1977 as contrast. The other stories in the collection range from science fiction to horror, dark coated fantasy to morality tale. All bear the indefinable stamp of Iain Banks's staggering

'This radiant book will not only change your life

Lord Ainz has made great progress moonlighting as the indomitable hero Momon

a woman whose sweet charm and gentle smile just might be the balm they both need

The only thing that saved her sanity was a strange psychic connection with a soothing male voice that gave her hope and taught her how to survive

and with good reason: it has been linked with lowered risks of cardiovascular disease

Monkey Bingo is filled with fun facts and glorious illustrations that are guaranteed to delight monkey lovers and novices alike

the quiet cul-de-sac

reflected in the recipes collected here

What's needed and can it fulfil our energy needs

should be recommended whatever the age of the reader

The fourth novel in Anne Perry's breathtakingly tense and exciting spy thriller series

The author asks readers: What prayer do you want answered