Even for an author as unique and varied as Lord Dunsa-ny, Fifty-One Tales is an oddity. As the title suggests, it is a collection of fifty-one short stories, ranging in length from one paragraph to three pages. The tales, which often come across as tongue-in-cheek cynical versions of Aesop's tales, work mainly to impress the reader with ideas and moods, like haikus rather than short stories. Several traits for which Dunsany became known are present in the collection: whimsical scenes, poetic word choices, and a wicked sense of humor. The results are alternately funny and chilling, colorful and creepy. Together, they present an accessible and enjoyable introduction to the unusual mind of Lord Dunsany.