McSweeney's Mammoth Treasury of Thrilling Tales arrived in the mail today, and it's something to behold. Guest-edited by Michael Chabon, it revives the notion that short-story writing can be as varied in theme and form as longer format writing. It's the celebrity issue: Neil Gaiman, Michael Crichton, Dave Eggers himself, Harlan Ellison, & Rick Moody, & all proceeds to benefit 826 Velencia.

Complimenting this truly wonderful writing, is the design, which resembles a pulp publication from the 1940s, a time when the short-story could take the form of a western, science fiction, detective, or horror. The illustrations are fun, and many original advertisements are included as well.

Holding this issue makes me happy to be alive! No, really.