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Fantasy· United Kingdom

American Gods

by Neil Gaiman
Aggregate Editorial Score79/100
★Hugo Award★Bram Stoker Award
Published 2002576 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Neil Gaiman's American Gods (2002) stands as one of the most significant works of fantasy of its era. Shadow Moon, recently released from prison, is recruited by the mysterious Mr Wednesday—Odin in disguise—to join a war between the old gods of mythology and the new gods of media, technology, and globalisation. Gaiman's Hugo Award winner is a richly textured road novel through the American heartland and a meditation on belief and identity. Themes of mythology, American identity, gods run through the work. The book has received recognition from Hugo Award 2002 and Bram Stoker Award 2001.

Book Details

AuthorNeil Gaiman
Published2002
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages576
Category🐉 Fantasy
ISBN9780380973651
Editorial Score79/100
About the Category

🐉 Fantasy

Stories set in imaginary worlds with magical or supernatural elements.

Explore all Fantasy books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

Neil Gaiman published American Gods in 2002, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of fantasy from United Kingdom. The book's treatment of mythology, American identity, gods, belief accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed American Gods among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Hugo Award 2002; Bram Stoker Award 2001. Our aggregate score of 79/100 is compiled from 2 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of American Gods lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of mythology, American identity, gods, belief is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within United Kingdom's literary landscape, Neil Gaiman occupies a significant position. American Gods is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 2 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Hugo Award
winner · genre
200253
Bram Stoker Award
list · genre
200126
✍️
About the Author
Neil Gaiman
United Kingdom
View Author →

Neil Gaiman is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of fantasy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Gods about?

Shadow Moon, recently released from prison, is recruited by the mysterious Mr Wednesday—Odin in disguise—to join a war between the old gods of mythology and the new gods of media, technology, and globalisation. Gaiman's Hugo Award winner is a richly textured road novel through the American heartland and a meditation on belief and identity.

Who wrote American Gods?

American Gods was written by Neil Gaiman, from United Kingdom. First published in 2002.

What awards has American Gods won?

American Gods has received the following awards and honours: Hugo Award 2002; Bram Stoker Award 2001.

Is American Gods worth reading?

American Gods is a widely acclaimed work with strong critical consensus, with an aggregate editorial score of 76/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 2 editorial sources. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in mythology, American identity, gods.

Where can I buy American Gods?

You can buy American Gods on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is American Gods?

American Gods is classified as Fantasy. Stories set in imaginary worlds with magical or supernatural elements.

What country is American Gods from?

American Gods originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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