The Neverending Story is considered one of the most popular books of the last few decades. However, contemporary critics have viewed the work with some skepticism. Linda Müller demonstrates in this book that it is more than just a well-crafted fantasy novel for children. The author provides an overview of literary influences from antiquity to modern times, themes and intellectual movements from various cultures and eras that have shaped Ende's work, and its connections to contemporary problems and social structures. In her quest for insights, Linda Müller uncovers many surprising elements and allows for new interpretations of Ende's work. She portrays the author not as a cozy storyteller, but as a serious and consciously working literary figure.