THE SANDMAN, by New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman, is widely regarded as the definitive Vertigo title and one of the finest achievements in graphic storytelling. Gaiman weaved ancient mythology, folklore, and fairy tales with his own distinct narrative vision to create an unforgettable story about the forces that exist beyond life and death. In PRELUDES AND NOCTURNES, an occultist attempts to capture Death in order to bargain for eternal life, but instead captures her younger brother Dream. Dream, also known as Morpheus, goes on a quest for his lost objects of power after his 70-year imprisonment and eventual escape. Morpheus meets Lucifer, John Constantine, and an all-powerful madman on his perilous journey. The story The Sound of Her Wings is also included in this book.