At the turn of the twentieth century, nobody played better banjo than the hermit Daner Johnson, who just might have sold his soul for the privilege. When eleven-year-old Charlie Poole, tired of mill-boy life, seeks apprenticeship, he discovers an occult world of myth and legend and strange premonitions. Will the succeeding years bring glory or sorrow-or equal measures of both?

The Paul Di Filippo Presents series showcases modern masterpieces of science fiction and fantasy selected by acclaimed author and critic Paul Di Filippo.