The City of Dreaming Books
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The City of Dreaming Books is the third novel in the Zamonia series written and illustrated by German author Walter Moers. The City of Dreaming Books in Germany is actually the fourth Zamonian novel, because Moers published a third Zamonian novel Ensel and Krete in Germany and in a few other countries. Moers got the idea to write this novel after visiting second-hand bookshops on the East Coast of the United States. The German version was released in Fall 2004, and the English version followed in Fall 2007.[1]
[edit] Plot
Optimus Yarnspinner, or Hildegunst von Mythenmetz in the German version, is a Lindworm (dinosaur) who inherits his godfathers possessions, including a manuscript of the perfect story written by an unknown author. An aspiring author himself, he travels to Bookholm, the city of dreaming books, in search of the unknown writer. Upon arrival, Yarnspinner falls in love with the city because of its literary appreciation. But beneath Bookholm lie labyrinthine catacombs in which many valuable books are hidden. In the catacombs are not only books, but dangers of unimaginable sorts; the deadly Anamitomes - books which can injure and kill anyone who touches them, blood-thirsty book hunters, and worst of all, the Shadow King.
After falling victim to the evil Pfistomel Smyke, who wants to became ruler of Zamonia, Yarnspinner is hidden deep in the catacombs of Bookholm. Aided by some, hunted by others, Yarnspinner embarks on a perilous journey through the catacombs in which many do not return.[2]
