The Last Unicorn

The Last Unicorn, written by Peter S. Beagle and first published in 1968, centers on a unicorn who, believing she is the last of her kind in the world, sets off on a journey to discover what has happened to the others. She encounters a host of diverse characters as her journey progresses, each of them bringing her closer to her goal.

Part fractured fairy tale and part life parable, the novel provides a social commentary through the interaction of typical fairy tale characters placed in very atypical roles. At the same time, satire and intentional anachronism are employed to provide some comic relief.

The novel is widely believed to be Beagle's greatest book, and has been hailed by many as one of the greatest fantasy novels of the last 100 years.