Song of the Gargoyle

Though many of her novels are set in 20th century America, this stand-alone novel has a historical setting. Of Song of the Gargolye, Zilpha Keatley Snyder says, "High among the periods that inspired my childhood dreamscapes were the middle ages. Not a very specific or historic middle ages, actually, so much as a fantasy world peopled by beautiful princesses and --most especially-- by noble knights. I especially liked the knights. No doubt due, at least in part, to the fact that they rode horses. (I was also enamored of cowboys.) However, when I grew older and less romantic, I began to look at my hardware-clad heroes from a more critical point of view. Knights, I discovered, were often a pretty cruel and bloodthirsty bunch, not to mention ignorant and superstitious...So when I got around to setting a story in their time, I cast about for a hero or two with a better odor. And the result was Tymmon and his father, Komus. And Troff? Just another tribute to the memory of various more-or-less miraculous four-legged friends."^{[citation needed]}

Kirkus Reviews called the story, "A thoughtful, smoothly written adventure."^[1] Publishers Weekly says it is a "somewhat meandering medieval adventure lacks the uniquely authentic protagonists and the crisp, clear writing characteristic of Snyder's earlier work ... Nevertheless, there is much to enjoy in this adventure of a boy and his gargoyle."^[2] School Library Journal describes it as "a setting reminiscent of a medieval tapestry; and a satisfying plot make Snyder's latest novel a solid addition to fantasy collections."^[3] Audiofile called it "a thrilling, well-read adventure for young people" and rated it an Earphones Award Winner.^[4]