Legends: Short Novels by the Masters of Modern Fantasy - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0765300354 ISBN 13: 9780765300355

Publisher: Tor Books, 2001

Synopsis

Acclaimed writer and editor Robert Silverberg gathered eleven of the finest writers in Fantasy to contribute to this collection of short novels. Each of the writers was asked to write a new story based on one of his or her most famous series: from Stephen King's opening piece set in his popular Gunslinger universe to Robert Jordan's early look at his famed Wheel of Time saga, these stories are exceptionally well written and universally well told. The authors include King, Jordan, and Silverberg himself, as well as Terry and Lyn Pratchett, Terry Goodkind, Orson Scott Card, Ursula K. Le Guin, Tad Williams, George R.R. Martin, Anne McCaffrey, and Raymond E. Feist.

About this title

Review:

"There's enough color, vitality and bravura displays of mythmaking in this rich sampler to sate faithful fans and nurture new readers on the stuff of legends still being created." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"An enjoyable sampler of the best high fantasy available today." --San Francisco Chronicle

"Best Anthology of the Year." --Rocky Mountain News

"A dream team . . . Legends is the rarest of the rare--an entire collection of original short novels by top fantasy writers . . . Here is a dab of each writer at the top, a worthy sampler that could yield a reader someone new to enjoy." --USA Today

"Orson Scott Card, Ursula Le Guin, George R. R. Martin, Anne McCaffrey, Robert Jordan, et al. It reads like a who's who of modern sf/fantasy writers. This anthology is a stellar compilation of new stories by 11 masters of the genre, with each tale set in a well-established and well-loved universe. Stephen King leads off with a grisly but compelling episode in the Dark Tower saga. Terry Pratchett's offering is an amusing incident in his Discworld series; editor Silverberg revisits the Majipoor of Lord Valentine; Tad Williams tells a haunting story that stems from his Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn trilogy; and Raymond Feist spins a poignant tale of revenge within his Riftwar setting. Fans of Jordan's massive Wheel of Time saga will be especially interested to learn just how Lan and Moiraine first met and how their search for the baby who would become the Dragon Reborn began. Silverberg sets the scene with a fine introduction to fantasy in general and the contributors in particular; each of the novellas is preceded not only by an introductory note on the saga involved but also by a listing of all the books in the series to date. What is so noteworthy about this collection is the fact that all the selections are first rate and are well integrated into their universes, making the book a bonanza not only for avid fans who are familiar with the various series and want more but also for less well read fantasy readers, who will find each story herein a great introduction to a writer's world." --Sally Estes, Booklist

"A superb Baedeker to the fantasy worlds of 11 of the field's finest writers." --Dallas Morning News

"Perhaps Legends, an anthology of brand-new novellas by nearly a dozen of the more-famous modern writers in the field, will help secure long-overdue respect. All the writing is of the highest caliber; and each of the tales is compelling. To top it off, artists such as Michael Whelan, Keith Parkinson and Erik Wilson have contributed illustrations that become icing on the cake. Legends makes for a fine road map to the worlds of 11 masters of the genre and serves as a perfect milestone for future fantasy anthologists. Silverberg has put together an anthology of which he and his fellow writers can be justly proud." --Des Moines Daily Register

From the Back Cover:

A Landmark Collection

Only the most talented story tellers create worlds that are beyond fantasy, worlds that become realities.

In 'Legends', edited by the legendary Robert Silverberg, the reader can visit eleven of the most fabulous worlds ever created. Eleven new works by the world’s most famous fantasy authors in a single magnificent volume: eleven worlds!

'Stephen King:' A new 'Dark Tower' quest by the last of the gunslingers, Roland of Gilead. Dark fantasy and icy realism in King’s most visionary mix of magic and horror.

'Terry Pratchett:' A new 'Discworld' story of fruit, vegetables and deadly rivalry between Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg.

'Terry Goodkind:' A new story set in the world of 'The Sword of Truth', a blood-curdling battle of green fire and black magic between the First Wizard and Panis Rahl.

'Orson Scott Card:' An addition to 'The Tales of Alvin Maker' and a step closer to the ultimate confrontation between Alvin and the Unmaker.

'Robert Silverberg:' A new 'Majipoor' story by the master storyteller himself returns us to the time of the most famous Pontifex of all, Lord Valentine.

'Ursula K. LeGuin:' A new 'Earthsea' story takes a woman for the first time to the mage’s Isle of Roke.

'Tad Williams:' A new story in the world of 'Memory, Sorrow and Thorn' is haunted by Prester John, dragon’s blood and ancient hatreds on the Road of Dreams.

'George R.R. Martin:' A new story in the world of 'A Song of Ice and Fire' follows the fortunes of a self-made knight, his honour, his horse, his squire, his luck.

'Anne McCaffrey: 'A new 'Pern' story sets a young Runner on her journey through life dreaming of dragons and glory.

'Raymond E. Feist: 'A new story in 'The Riftwar Saga' set in the early days of the Riftwar, when the Kingdom had just been invaded by the Tsurani.

'Robert Jordan: ' A new 'Wheel of Time' story bears witness to storm and battle in the shadow of the Blight… as the Wheel turns.

About this edition

• Publisher: Tor Books
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0765300354
• ISBN 13: 9780765300355
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 720
• Editor: Silverberg Robert