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.