Synopses & Reviews
Terrifying barbarians, cunning mages, and daring heroes run rampant through these exceptional examples of the exciting sword and sorcery genre. In “Tower of the Elephant,” Conan takes up jewel thievery but proves to be far better with his sword. “The Flame Bringers” finds antihero Elric infiltrating a band of bloodthirsty mercenaries and outwitting a powerful sorcerer. “Become a Warrior” is the unexpected tale of a child who loses all she holds dear, only to gain unforeseen power and unlikely revenge. Further entries come from early legends such as Jack Vance and Catherine Louise Moore, the next wave of talents including Fritz Leiber and Michael Moorcock, and modern trendsetters like George R.R. Martin, Karl Edward Wagner, and David Drake. This essential, fast-paced anthology is a chronological gathering of influential, inventive, and entertaining fantasy—sure to appeal to action-oriented fans.
Review
"Over the past quarter century, Hartwell has built a well-deserved reputation in SF, fantasy and horror as an editor extraordinaire. In addition to discovering many of the leading luminaries in the genre, he has produced a pool of anthologies that attempt to stand as definitive volumes." —Publishers Weekly
Review
"Hartwell and Weisman have selected some of the best short-form work in the genre. . . . This is an unbeatable selection from classic to modern, and each story brings its A game." —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW (May 21, 2012)
Review
"Awesome collection, very highly recommended." —www.NerdsInBabeLand.com
Review
"The 19 stories in this volume span a time period from 1933 to 2012 and provide a strong introduction to this fantasy subgenre." —Library Journal (July 2012)
Review
"Superbly presented . . . re-ignited this reader's interest at least in the genre." —www.SFSite.com
Review
"A big, meaty collection of genre highlights that runs the gamut from old-school classics to new interpretations, it serves as an excellent introduction and primer in one." —www.GreenManReview.com
Review
Heroes and their mighty deeds populate the pages of this delightfully kitschy yet absorbing anthology of sword and sorcery short stories from the 1930s onward. Hartwell and Weisman have selected some of the best short-form work in the genre, starting with the originator, Robert E. Howard, and his tales of Conan the Barbarian. The heroes are tough, savvy, and willing to knock a few heads in to get the job done. The soldier of Glen Cooks Dread Empire and Fritz Leibers Grey Mouser make strong appearances, as does Michael Moorcocks Elric of Melniboné and his dread sword, Stormbringer. Female heroes are as ruthless as their male counterparts: C.L. Moores Jirel of Joiry walks through Hell and back to get her revenge, while George R. R. Martins Daenerys Stormborn becomes a true queen by outmaneuvering an entire city of slavers. This is an unbeatable selection from classic to modern, and each story brings its A game.”
Publishers Weekly, starred review
The 19 stories in this volume span a time period from 1933 to 2012 and provide a strong introduction to this fantasy subgenre.”
Library Journal
Awesome collection, very highly recommended.”
Nerds in Babeland
Superbly presented...reignited this readers interest.”
SF Site
A big, meaty collection of genre highlights that runs the gamut from old-school classics to new interpretations, it serves as an excellent introduction and primer in one.”
Green Man Review
Hard and fast-paced fantasy thats strong from the first piece right through to the last.”
Shades of Sentience
Hartwell and Weismans choices are top-notch and provide both an excellent introduction to the subgenre for new readers and exciting reading for long-time fans.”
Grasping for the Wind
This engaging anthology is a terrific way to meet some of the best fantasists for those unfamiliar with their works and for returning vets a chance to enjoy fun short stories.”
Midwest Book Review
Synopsis
Blood will flow, heads will roll, dragons will soar, and the dead shall rise. Journey to ancient cities ruled by sinister mages, storm-tossed seas where monsters dwell, mysterious towers full of ancient secrets, and dark dungeons with untold treasures. From Robert E. Howards Conan the Barbarian to George R. R. Martins Song of Ice and Fire, join the legendary heroes and villains in nineteen epic adventures that are sure to bring out the barbarian in you.
Anti-hero Elric infiltrates a band of mercenaries to match wits with a powerful sorcerer. With her trio of dragons, Daenerys Stormbringer makes a fools bargain with slave traders. A mages apprentice, the young Grey Mouser uses newfound power to battle an evil duke. Conan breaks into the Tower of the Elephant to steal a spectacular jewel with a dark secret. Despite her drunkards ways, Malmury slays an old sea troll before facing his powerful daughter.
About the Author
David G. Hartwell is a senior editor at Tor/Forge Books and the publisher of the
New York Review of Science Fiction." He is the author of
Age of Wonders, the editor of the anthologies
The Dark Descent and
The World Treasury of Science Fiction, and the coeditor of two anthologies of the best Canadian science fiction,
Northern Stars and
Northern Suns. He lives in Pleasantville, New York.
Jacob Weisman is the founder, editor, and publisher at Tachyon Publications. His writing has appeared in the Cooper Point Journal, the Nation, Realms of Fantasy, the Seattle Weekly, and in the college textbook, Sport in Contemporary Society. He is the series editor for anthologies including The Secret History of Fantasy, The Urban Fantasy Anthology, and Crucified Dreams: Tales of Urban Horror. He lives in San Francisco.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Storytellers: A Guided Ramble into Sword and Sorcery Fiction” by David Drake
The Tower of the Elephant” by Robert E. Howard
Black Gods Kiss” by C. L. Moore
The Unholy Grail” by Fritz Leiber
The Tale of Hauk” by Poul Anderson
The Caravan of Forgotten Dreams” by Michael Moorcock
The Adventuress” by Joanna Russ
Gimmiles Song” by Charles R. Saunders
Undertow” by Karl Edward Wagner
The Stages of the God” by Ramsey Campbell (writing as Montgomery Comfort)
The Barrow Troll” by David Drake
Soldier of an Empire Unacquainted With Defeat” by Glen Cook
Epistle From Lebanoi” by Michael Shea
Become a Warrior” by Jane Yolen
The Red Guild” by Rachel Pollack
Six From Atlantis” by Gene Wolfe
The Sea Trolls Daughter” by Caitlín R. Kiernan
The Coral Heart” by Jeffrey Ford
Path of the Dragon” by George R. R. Martin
The Year of the Three Monarchs” by Michael Swanwick