Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts

Wednesday 26 December 2018

German Fantasy Literature of the 1970s and 1980s - A preliminary reading list and an ongoing reading project

I am not entirely sure when exactly I started toying with the idea of creating a reading list for popular German fantasy fiction published in the late 1970s and 1980s, but I believe it coincided with the time when I was reunited with my copy of Hans Bemmann's 'Stein und Flöte' (english title: The Stone and the Flute) some six months ago.


Hans Bemmann - The Stone and the Flute (Stein ind Floete), Goldmann
Hans Bemmann - The Stone and the Flute (Stein ind Floete), Goldmann

Shortly after its arrival, Stein ind Flöte (first published in 1983) was allocated a space on my bookshelves and ended up in the fantasy section, where it is currently leading a lonely existence as the only fantasy novel written by a German-speaking author. (My copy of Michael Ende's Neverending Story is currently back home in Germany.)

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the fantasy section of my shelf is populated by a diverse bunch of primarily British or American authors, who have traditionally dominated the genre. Other nationalities appear to be conspicuously absent. As a result, I got intrigued and decided to delve a little deeper into the matter in order to see whether I could locate works that fit the fantasy label and were published in Germany during the 1970s and 1980s. Ende and Bemmann aside, who else was at the time writing similar books in Germany? Who inspired authors like Ende and Bemmann; and who, in turn, was inspired by their work?

I am aware of the widely embraced distinction between Fantasy Fiction and Phantastik in German-speaking literary circles. In my view this separation constitutes an artificial barrier, which is perhaps necessary for an academic engagement with the matter. For the purposes of my investigation, however, I shall continue to refer to the genre as 'Fantasy' to avoid complicating matters unnecessarily. All those familiar with Ende's Die Unendliche Geschichte (Neverending Story), which was first published in 1979, will probably agree that the fantasy label fits the book rather well and I will thus use it as a descriptor going forward. 

With this in mind, I started my search for books that would fit the description. To be added to the reading list, candidates had to fulfil two criteria: they had to be first published in Germany during the 1970s and 1980s and should be categorised as 'Fantasy'. Science fiction was to be strictly exempt from the list. Reading lists showcasing the German contribution to science fiction are easily obtainable as is evident by this Goodreads reading list, featuring all of the Kurd Lasswitz award winners to date: 




At this point I was still blissfully unaware that I had set myself a rather ambitious task. Collating and locating reading lists on specific topics is normally never a real issue. Most of the time someone else has already done the hard work, completed the research and compiled a ready-made reading list. All that's usually necessary is to review and eventually source the books in question. Not on this occasion.

Initial searches on the web yielded almost no results and didn't provide much further insight or suggestions on how best to tackle the question. Amongst the names that came up repeatedly were authors Wolfgang and Heike Hohlbein, who, particularly when considering their commercial success, have earned their place in any list on German fantasy fiction. Beyond that, there was a heap of suggestions, including contemporary German fantasy authors such as Bernhard Hennen or Cornelia Funke, whose works were published from the late 1990s onwards and therefore did not meet my selection criteria. 


Gnook suggestions for Wolfgang Hohlbein

Gnooks, which I love consulting for book recommendations (if you are not familiar you should pay the site a visit, as it can be an invaluable resource when looking for author suggestions) also didn't come up with viable options for my list.

By sheer chance, I came across Robert Corvus's discussion of Georg Zauner's 1981 science fiction novel Die Enkel der Raketenbauer, which led me to further investigate the author. 

It turns out that Zauner is not only a Kurd-Laßwitz award winner (the most prestigious award for science fiction literature in Germany) and the father of Stefan Zauner (ex lead singer of epic pop formation Münchener Freiheit) but also wrote fantasy fiction. Zauner's Marana oder die Hochzeit der Elfe met all the selection criteria for my reading project and therefore made its way on to my list.


Georg Zauner, Marana oder die Hochzeit der Elfe (Verlag: Benziger, 1984)



Whilst Zauner's Enkel der Raketenbauer appears to be somewhat of a rarity and currently commands a high(ish) price amongst collectors, a hardback copy of Marana oder die Hochzeit der Elfe (Benziger, 1984) can be purchased with relative ease and for a comparatively modest amount.


Robert Corvus discussing Georg Zauner's Die Enkel der Raketenbauer


Following this initial breakthrough, I was soon running out of suggestions again until, once more by sheer coincidence, I discovered an anthology of modern German Fantasy short stories, which I was able to source without problems. 


Jörg Weigand (editor) Vergiss nicht den Wind - Neue deutsche Fantasy-Geschichten, Bastei Lübbe, 1983, Cover Art: Tim White

Edited by Jörg Weigand and originally published by Bastei Lübbe in 1983, Vergiss nicht den Wind, features fantasy short stories by twelve German authors, including Wolfgang Hohlbein, Lothar Streblow, Dietrich Wachler, Bernhard Kreimeier, Iny Klocke, Ulrich Harbecke and Ulrich Weise. This selection of short stories aims to showcase, as stated by Weigand in the preface to my edition, that '[...] German fantasy literature can be equally as entertaining and fascinating as its Anglo-american counterpart [...]'.

We shall see.

If nothing else, as an anthology Vergiss nicht den Wind might offer a few possible starting points for further research. For now, I'm pleased that I was able to populate my preliminary reading list, albeit sparsely and with difficulty, and managed to get my reading project off the ground. Who would have thought that information on popular German fantasy fiction and genre authors of the period in question is so scarce and difficult to come by? Especially considering Ende's monumental publishing success with Die unendliche Geschichte, I would have expected a fair number of authors riding the fantasy wave at the time.

Suggestions for suitable reading material that fits the criteria for my selection are gratefully received. 

Sunday 2 September 2018

Book Review - Lady Of Light (Westria Book No 1) by Diana L Paxson

As can be expected from the first book of a series, Lady of Light sets the scene and introduces the reader to the main protagonists of Paxson's Westria Series. The plot takes place after the so called 'Cataclysm', a divine intervention which destroyed the previous civilisation and its technical advancements. As a result, Westrians inhabit a medieval-type, feudal setting and believe in a pagan-style religion, in which the Gods and Goddesses are worshipped in elaborate rituals. Access to the divine powers can be established with the help of a set of crystals, representing the elements of fire, water, earth and wind.

Since the mid-2000s Paxson (born: 1943) has primarily written non-fiction on spiritual as well as mythological topics, establishing herself as a well-respected voice within the fields of Asatru (the worship of Norse Gods and Goddesses) and Runes. She has also carried on writing books in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Avalon series, on which she has collaborated for a number of years (partially uncredited) whilst Bradley was still alive. Following her passing, Paxson has authored a number of  instalments in the series on her own, the last one being Sword of Avalon.

Though not as widely discussed amongst readers, Diana Paxson is also known for her Westria novels, the Chronicles of Westria: a series of 8 books set in the fictional kingdom of the same name, a post-industrialist state with feudal structures. The first book in the series, Lady of Light, was originally published in 1982. It was followed by the release of Lady of Darkness in 1983. Initially published as individual instalments, TOR released a volume titled Mistress of the Jewels, which combined both books into one edition in 1991. On the cover of Mistress of the Jewels it is wrongly stated that this edition contained the first book of the series. To avoid any doubt and confusion, the author's website provides the definitive chronology and further information on the various editions. It can be found here.

cover art Thomas Canty Mistress of the Jewels
Mistress of the Jewels, The Chronocles of Westria Book 1 and 2 - Diana L Paxson, Cover Illustration by Thomas Canty, Publisher TOR, 1991

Saturday 2 May 2015

Cover Art by George Barr, Maren,Tim White, Darrell K. Sweet et al.

An eclectic selection of sci-fi and fantasy artists have created the covers for Marion Zimmer Bradley's books and anthologies.

The below is a selection of cover art for MZB's publications. The photos are taken from the paperback hardcovers. The entire pictures are available here, featuring works by George Barr, Tim White, David A. Cherry, Richard Hescox and Maren, whose actual name is Mariano Pérez Clemente. 

Whereever possible information on the cover artist and edition has been included. Sadly, the cover art the for The Forest House (MZB's Avalon Series) remains uncredited in the edition by Michael Joseph.


George Barr, Darkover Landfall

Marion Zimmer Bradley: Darkover Landfall - 1972
Publisher: DAW Books, Inc.
This edition: 15th printing (first printing, December 1972)
Cover Art by George Barr
For a review of Darkover Landfall, please click here.


Saturday 25 April 2015

Cover Art for Marion Zimmer Bradley



Darkover Landfall Marion Zimmer Bradley, photo courtesy of Clarice Asquith

Marion Zimmer Bradley: Darkover Landfall - 1972
Publisher: DAW Books, Inc.
This edition: 15th printing (first printing, December 1972)
Cover Art by George Barr
Border Art by Richard Hescox
For a review of Darkover Landfall, please click here.



Snows of Darkover, Edited by Marion Zimmer Bradley, photo courtesy of Clarice Asquith

Snows of Darkover
Edited by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Cover Art: Tim White 
Publisher: Daw, 1994


The Ages of Chaos, Darkover Omnibus (Stormqueen and Hawkmistress) by Marion Zimmer Bradley photo courtesy of Clarice Asquith
Stormqueen & Hawkmistress (Darkover Omnibus)
Marion Zimmer Bradley

Thursday 21 July 2011

Judge A Book By Its Cover


Most book lovers also have an appreciation for cover art and, personally, I always find myself strangely drawn to the book covers of fantasy and science fiction novels. I am aware that this may not be to everyone's taste, but I - for one - enjoy looking at it.

I recently found a number of flickr groups paying tribute to cover art and cover artists. Whilst some might not see the point of photographing the covers of the books on your shelf and sharing these images with others, in my humble opinion it is a jolly good idea.

By no means representative, but nevertheless a first impression of what is on offer over at Flickr, here is a selection of book covers featuring in the group "Hi - Res Science Fiction Book Covers":

Idol Hands - A Rosco Little Adventure20,000 Leagues Under The SeaThe Gods Hate KansasBreakfast Of ChampionsRobert A. Heinlein - The Star BeastOrphans Of The Sky
After Many A Summer Dies The SwanThe Gods ThemselvesThe Rest Of The RobotsRed PlanetThe Killer ThingThe First Men In The Moon
The Island Of Dr. MoreauRobert A. Heinlein - Red PlanetOrson Scott Card - TreasonRobert A. Heinlein - Have Space Suit, Will TravelRobert J. Sawyer - End of an Era (Back)Robert J. Sawyer - End of an Era
Peter F. Hamilton - The Temporal VoidDan Simmons - HyperionDan Simmons - The Rise of EndymionDan Simmons - The Fall of HyperionLarry Niven & Jerry Pournelle - FootfallLarry Niven - Ringworld's Throne
And this is an overview for the "Books of Fantasy"  group


Rothfuss, Patrick - The Wise Man's Fear (2011 HB)The Official Marvel Comics Try-Out 1984Far West Vol. 1Fentasy ArtLegendary Creatures of Myth and Magicel descubrimiento de las brujas
Erikson, Steven - Reaper's Gale (2009 PB)AD&D 1st Ed. Oriental AdventuresBarry Windsor Smith Archives Conan Volume 1La historiadoraEl secreto de la isla de las ballenasA Matter of Magic by Patricia C. Wrede
Just a few books . . . .Warding of the Witch World by Andre NortonImperial Lady by Andre Norton and Susan ShwartzFlight of Vengance by PM Griffin and Mary SchaulbThe Duke's Ballad by Andre Norton and Lyn McConchieAtlanis End Game by Andre Norton and Sherwood Smith
Ciara's Song  by Andre Norton  and Lyn McConchieDare to Go A Hunting by Andre NortonThud! by Terry PratchettThe Magestone by Andre Norton and Mary SchaubChildhood Favorites & TeaErikson, Steven - The Bonehunters (2008 PB)
Books of Fantasy, a group on Flickr.

These groups are just a taster for what is on offer - the perfect destination for an afternoon's browsing and to gather inspiration for your to - read - list.



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