Begging comparisons to Tolstoy and Joyce, this "magnificent, sprawling cosmic epic" (Guardian) by Alan Moore-the genre-defying,

Begging comparisons to Tolstoy and Joyce, this "magnificent, sprawling cosmic epic" (Guardian) by Alan Moore-the genre-defying, "groundbreaking, hairy genius of our generation" (NPR)-takes its place among the most notable works of contemporary English literature. In decaying Northampton, eternity loiters between housing projects. Among saints, kings, prostitutes, and derelicts, a timeline unravels: second-century fiends wait in urine-scented stairwells, delinquent specters undermine a century with tunnels, and in upstairs parlors, laborers with golden blood reduce fate to a snooker tournament. Through the labyrinthine streets and pages of Jerusalem tread ghosts singing hymns of wealth and poverty.