Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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Planet Stories is not exclusively about reprinting stuff from the pulp era. It _is_ about reprinting great out of print science-fiction and fantasy adventure tales, with perhaps an emphasis on the pulp era because that's where my personal reading preferences tend to lead me.
The Gygax books and "Worlds of Their Own" are an anomaly in this regard, but that's ok too because I want to leave a bit of room for unpredictability. I largely selected the work of Gary Gygax because he is well known to Paizo's existing audience and because I think his fiction is better than most people give him credit for.
A while back I listed a bunch of fantasy and science fiction sub-genres and asked readers to rank them in order of their personal interest. My own list would probably look something like this:
Sword & Sorcery
Sword & Planet
"Weird" Fiction
Space Opera
Lost World/Race Stories
Generally, we're looking for books that have been out of print for more than a decade by foundational writers in the genre. Here is a general sampling of authors that we are currently considering, to give you a basic idea of where the line may be heading:
Leigh Brackett
Michael Moorcock
Henry Kuttner
C. L. Moore
Robert E. Howard
A. Merritt
Edmond Hamilton
Otis Adelbert Kline
Roger Zelazny
Manly Wade Wellman
Jack Vance
Gardner F. Fox
Eando Binder
John Brunner
Karl Edward Wagner
Lin Carter
J.U. Giesy
Robert Moore Williams (a guilty pleasure I am not sure I dare reprint)
I don't have contacts with the estates or agents of all of these writers, and I've only actually signed stuff from some of them. Also, there are names we are seriously considering that I have not listed for various reasons (including because I have simply forgotten for the moment).
But these authors in general represent the vibe we are shooting for with the Planet Stories line, which I think is well in line with the editorial flavor of the original Planet Stories.
Some of those names came directly from this thread or from emails readers have sent to me. Others are authors I have admired pretty much my whole life.
And I'm still looking for more authors, so please keep the suggestions coming!
A. Merritt
Roger Zelazny
Jack Vance
I'd be very interested in seeing books by these three if possible. Are you planning on announcing the post-September releases soon, or is that still pending the success of the line?
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Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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Not yet. Most of what I've read of his comes from our Amazing Stories archive, and has not subsequently been printed. My favorite, favorite story by RMW is "The Return of Satan" from the October 1939 issue of Amazing Stories. It is so riddled with clichés as to be considered unpublishable by most modern editors, but it is such a madcap _pulpy_ story that I loved every page of it.
His "The Secret of the Pyramid" from the July 1939 issue was also great fun.
I've been accumulating several of his paperbacks for the last year or so, but I've not yet had time to read them. He is probably best know for a sword and planet character entitled "Zanthar of the Many Worlds," and for a Tarzan clone called Jongor.
Anyone read any of this stuff?
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Not yet. Most of what I've read of his comes from our Amazing Stories archive, and has not subsequently been printed. My favorite, favorite story by RMW is "The Return of Satan" from the October 1939 issue of Amazing Stories. It is so riddled with clichés as to be considered unpublishable by most modern editors, but it is such a madcap _pulpy_ story that I loved every page of it.
His "The Secret of the Pyramid" from the July 1939 issue was also great fun.
I've been accumulating several of his paperbacks for the last year or so, but I've not yet had time to read them. He is probably best know for a sword and planet character entitled "Zanthar of the Many Worlds," and for a Tarzan clone called Jongor.
Anyone read any of this stuff?
Well, I ordered a couple of his novels on-line to check them out: "Star Wasps" and "Bell from Infinity". I'll let you know when I've read them (after they go in the to-be-read-pile-of-doom).
Well, I ordered a couple of his novels on-line to check them out: "Star Wasps" and "Bell from Infinity". I'll let you know when I've read them (after they go in the to-be-read-pile-of-doom).Not yet. Most of what I've read of his comes from our Amazing Stories archive, and has not subsequently been printed. My favorite, favorite story by RMW is "The Return of Satan" from the October 1939 issue of Amazing Stories. It is so riddled with clichés as to be considered unpublishable by most modern editors, but it is such a madcap _pulpy_ story that I loved every page of it.
His "The Secret of the Pyramid" from the July 1939 issue was also great fun.
I've been accumulating several of his paperbacks for the last year or so, but I've not yet had time to read them. He is probably best know for a sword and planet character entitled "Zanthar of the Many Worlds," and for a Tarzan clone called Jongor.
Anyone read any of this stuff?
For the love of God man!! Don't reprint any of the Jongor books!!
I read one of those in the very early 70's and hated it even as a 12 year old!!Take care.
Doug
Hi Erik,
have you all thought of reprinting any old anthologies?
Decamp but out 3 Sword& sorcery anthologies back in the 1960' and early 70's...
The Fantastic Swordsmen:
CONTENTS..
# Tellers of Tales" (introduction) (L. Sprague de Camp)
# "Black Lotus" (Robert Bloch)
# "The Fortress Unvanquishable Save for Sacnoth" (Lord Dunsany)
# "Drums of Tombalku" (Robert E. Howard and L. Sprague de Camp)
# "The Girl in the Gem" (John Jakes)
# "Dragon Moon" (Henry Kuttner)
# "The Other Gods" (H. P. Lovecraft)
# "The Singing Citadel" (Michael Moorcock)
# "The Tower" (Luigi de Pascalis, originally in Italian, translated by L. Sprague de Camp)
Wiki link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fantastic_Swordsmen
Warlocks and Warriors:
Contents...
* "Introduction" (L. Sprague de Camp)
* "Turutal" (Ray Capella)
* "The Gods of Niom Parma" (Lin Carter)
* "The Hills of the Dead" (Robert E. Howard)
* "Thunder in the Dawn" (Henry Kuttner)
* "Thieves' House" (Fritz Leiber)
* "Black God's Kiss" (C. L. Moore)
* "Chu-Bu and Sheemish" (Lord Dunsany)
* "The Master of the Crabs" (Clark Ashton Smith)
* "The Valley of the Spiders" (H. G. Wells)
* "The Bells of Shoredan" (Roger Zelazny)
Wiki link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warlocks_and_Warriors
Or maybe..
Swordsmen in the Sky
Edited by Donald A. Wolllheim ( Founder of DAW Books)
Contents:
THE MOON THAT VANISHED • s&p • Leigh Brackett
A VISION OF VENUS • s&p • Otis Adelbert Kline •
KALDAR, WORLD OF ANTARES • s&p • Edmond Hamilton
Sworsman of Lost Terra by Poul Anderson
People of the Crater by Andre Norton
Here is a link to some great Sword and Sorcery anthologie.
They also have a great list of old and forgotten/lost masters of Heroic Fantasy.
http://www.swordandsorcery.org/multiauthors-anthos.htm
http://www.swordandsorcery.org/book-reviews.htm
And Issac Asimov edited a HUGE anthology in the early 1970's called Before the Golden Age.
It contains great SF (over the top) stories from the early 30's's through to the late 30's. This is where I discovered "Prof. Jameson"
Here is the wiki link with contents ect.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Before_the_Golden_Age
The Tumithak stories included by Charles R. Tanner are 2 of my all time favorites.
Also the "Moon Age" by Jack Williamson and the "Tetrahedra of Space" by P. Schuyler Muller are real mind blowers!!
I hope that you might finds these interesting.
Take care.
Doug
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Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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Hi Erik,
have you all thought of reprinting any old anthologies?
Yes, though I think I might rather compile some anthologies of our own that pick some of the best material from the books you list (as well as material from other sources that has been less frequently reprinted). Elak of Atlantis appears in "Warlocks and Warriors," for example (we typed that story from that exact book for our edition, in fact), and I've got just about every anthology you mentioned ("Swordsmen in the Sky" is on my coffee table right now, in fact, waiting for me to finish the Brackett story when I get some free time).
I have strongly considered reprinting all of Hamilton's Kaldar stories in a single volume (though I'd probably need to add a few more stories so it wouldn't be razor thin), and of course we're already publishing a ton of Brackett.
I am not a huge fan of Norton or Anderson, so I've little impetus to reprint their contributions to this book. Kline is a personal indulgence of the Planet Stories editorial staff (we're printing "The Swordsman of Mars" in October), but I must say that "A Vision of Venus" is one of the worst pulp stories I have ever read, and is at best a curiosity for readers interested in a highly condensed collection of every sword and planet cliche jammed into 7 pages.
Sword and Sorcery and Sword and Planet anthologies are definitely on the drawing board. I hope to publish two or three of them in 2009.
I also have all of Asimov's "Before the Golden Age" anthologies, mostly because I have been tracking down Edmond Hamilton's entire output for the last couple of years (I tend to get a bit obsessive compulsive when it comes to collecting key authors). There is a lot of good stuff in there, some of which we might one day republish.
My understanding is that Black Gate Magazine has recently republished the Tumithek stories, so I'd rather let those guys (who have been very supportive) sell out their backstock before introducing a competing product into the marketplace.
--Erik
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Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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For the love of God man!! Don't reprint any of the Jongor books!!
Like I said, Robert Moore Williams is more of an insane obsession of mine than an author we would be wise to sink a lot of money into republishing. And I've only read some of his most obscure stuff, with plenty of good books between now and then on the "to read" pile.
--Erik
I'd be very interested in seeing books by these three if possible.
A. Merritt
Roger Zelazny
Jack Vance
Three of my top favorites, in reverse order!
Not a suggestion, but just wondering if you were aware that there is an audio recording of C.L. Moore reading Shambleau. I happened to come across it in the university catalog, but haven't had a chance to go check it out yet.
Hi Erik,
Here are the details:
Author/Creator: Moore, C. L. (Catherine Lucile), 1911-
Title: Shambleau [sound recording] : (abridged).
Published: New York, N.Y. : Caedmon, p1981.
Description: 1 sound cassette (58 min.) : analog, stereo., Dolby processed.
Publisher Number: CP 1667 Caedmon
Summary: A dreadful red-headed Medusa, who feeds off the blood of humans and other races, comes to life in this Martian adventure.
Participants: Read by the author C.L. Moore.
Notes: Source: The best of C.L. Moore. Published: New York : Ballantine Books, 1976.
Program notes by Ward Botsford and C.L. Moore on container.
If (as I suspect might be the case) you have a hard time tracking down a copy, let me know. Since Paizo is making an effort to get out-of-print items back into print (including the works of this author), in my opinion getting something to you would fall under scholarly use, especially if it looks like a recording of this significance is getting ready to vanish permanently.
I've been re-reading Paul Edwin Zimmer's Border novels. They are very well written, with a strong pulpy storyline, though characterization is given a very strong emphasis. I'd love to see them added to your line.
I have two Eando Binder books (Puzzle of the Space Pyramids and Mind From Outer Space)- Which of his books are you considering for your collection?
I regret you are not going to offer James Branch Cabell- I'd love to see the cover you'd put on Cream of the Jest (the only book of his I've read).
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Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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If (as I suspect might be the case) you have a hard time tracking down a copy, let me know. Since Paizo is making an effort to get out-of-print items back into print (including the works of this author), in my opinion getting something to you would fall under scholarly use, especially if it looks like a recording of this significance is getting ready to vanish permanently.
A quick search of my local facilities turn up no leads.
A copy of this recording would be MOST APPRECIATED.
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How about Adrian Cole's "Dreamlords" trilogy? "A Plague of Nightmares", "Lord of Nightmares", and "Bane of Nightmares".
I think I read a short story of Cole's in one of the Heroic Fantasy anthologies when I was working my way through the recommended reading list in Ron Edwards' Sorceror and Sword supplement. The story I'm thinking of was the standout in the series - the protagonist was a familiar who was desperate to find a new master before their ability to exist outside their own plane expired. I remember seeing that the author had done some later trilogies, now OOP. I'll confirm that it's Cole I'm thinking of when I get home.
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Correct: The story is by Adrian Cole, "Astral Stray," and yes it is totally awesome (and may be of particular interest to D&D roots enthusiasts for its details of the astral plane). It's in the first Heroic Fantasy anthology, ed. Page and Reinhart, DAW 1979. The editorial intro mentions The Dream Lords as what Cole was best known for: "Astral Stray" is part of his then-current series of stories about the Voidal, 'who has crossed the Dark Gods, and for his presumptiousness, now finds himself accursed and set adrift with no memory of who - or what - he was in former times'. His familiar Elfloq, and their meeting, is the protagonist of "Astral Stray". I would sure love to see those stories collected if they haven't been or brought back into print if they have.
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RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32, 2011 Top 16
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I just picked up a used copy of a Clifford Simak book, Enchanted Pilgrimage. Don't know if it's good or not, but I fondly recall reading Fellowship of the Talisman many years ago. I recall it felt very D&D like to me, and I know I'd love the chance to read more of Simak's fantasy works.
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Also on the roots-of-D&D tip, J. Eric Holmes's _Maze of Peril_ is a surprisingly good "novelization" of the sample dungeon Holmes created to play with his kids & wrote up in the blue-box Basic D&D set. It's still theoretically in press from Space and Time Books - I got my copy directly from the publisher once I saw we were both New Yorkers, and he ran out to his warehouse in Staten Island to pick one up, a bit musty, before we met for lunch. And it's perhaps a bit short for trade paperback edition. But it looks like Holmes also did some Burroughsian stuff that could fill out a great single volume connecting the dots between Pellucidar and D&D.
Holmes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Eric_Holmes
Space and Time:
http://www.cith.org/s&t_books.html
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Erik,
I see that Charles Saunders is writing again:
http://www.lulu.com/content/2322980
I know Nightshade released his Imaro stories a year or so ago, but I'm not sure the effort was much of a success. You might consider looking into his work. The Imaro stories are powerful and I think would make a great addition to the Planet stories line.
Jeff
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Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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That cover is incredible. Wow. WAAAAAY cooler than I expected when I saw it was a Lulu link.
I have the original DAW Imaro books, but they're buried pretty deep in the work bookcase, next to stuff like RAUM and ORON. Howard Jones from Black Gate has been prodding me to contact Saunders and pick up the Imaro flag, but I confess I have not yet read the books. They sound great and they're inching their way to the top of the pile, but they're not quite at the top.
I'm very excited because I'm about to hit four plane trips in seven days. I tend to read Planet Stories type fiction on planes more than anywhere else, and I've got quite a lineup ready to go.
Phil Farmer's Hadon of Ancient Opar is at the top of the list, but I've also got Sos the Rope by Piers Anthony, Across the Zodiac by Percy Greg, Warrior of Llarn by Gardner F. Fox, and Who Fears the Devil? by Many Wade Wellman.
On second thought, Imaro is not so deeply buried after all.
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Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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Yeah, I think so too. I just read "The Trial of Adam Link, Robot" the other day, comparing it closely to the novelized book. A lot of minor tweaks (such as verb tense) to make it work as a narrated novel just don't serve the stories, in my opinion, and at least one of the stories was left out entirely. I am slowly making my way through the whole series, and if they keep up their quality (and if I can secure the rights) I think this is a shoo-in for the series.
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 6
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Phil Farmer's Hadon of Ancient Opar is at the top of the list, but I've also got Sos the Rope by Piers Anthony, Across the Zodiac by Percy Greg, Warrior of Llarn by Gardner F. Fox, and Who Fears the Devil? by Many Wade Wellman.
Sos the Rope is pretty solid, but the Battle Circle trilogy falls off terribly after that. My vote would be to publish something stronger, though I have to admit I've read the trio at least four times.
One of those series where what makes the book most interesting (the culture) seems to get progressively less attention each volume.
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I have the original DAW Imaro books, but they're buried pretty deep in the work bookcase, next to stuff like RAUM and ORON. Howard Jones from Black Gate has been prodding me to contact Saunders and pick up the Imaro flag, but I confess I have not yet read the books. They sound great and they're inching their way to the top of the pile, but they're not quite at the top.
Well It's good to hear that the Imaro books are at least on your radar screen. I hope you find them enjoyable.
Howard Jones is good people, I correspond with him from time to time and he just wrote a nice review of one of my game supplements over on the Black Gate website.
Hello there,
I just discovered this imprint this month through Leigh Brackett's The Secret of Sinharat. THANK YOU so much for reprinting her so I could discover her! Seriously, most male authors past and present could learn a thing or two about hard-edged fiction from Brackett & Stark. I'm current reading Black God's Kiss and have Elak of Atlantis and Northwest of Earth on order. I've heard Kuttner and Moore's reps for years and its nice to finally try them out.
Anyways since this is the request thread, I'd figure I'd ask: Are any of the Zelazny novels you're looking at the Dilvish the Damned books? I remember reading the collection of his stories and the novel-length finale in a junior high school library and liking both nearly as much if not more so than the Amber books. I'd love to see them in print again in case my memory holds up.
Also, I love the idea of compiling an anthology of old sword & sorcery fiction. One thing I loved about the genre is the fact a lot of the adventures were done-in-one short stories before the character moved on. I don't know what specific authors you have in mind, but may I suggest the Ryre the Swordsman stories by Ramsey Campbell? I've never read them myself, but I'm more than familiar with his horror stories and would be interested in seeing something what the man's sword & sorcery fiction is like.
Also, I'm not too sure if the book is what you're looking for with Planet Stories, but do you have any interest in Fredric Brown's What Mad Universe? It seems like it would be a great romp delivering on the pulp thrills while ramping up the absurdity and humour.
In regards to the idea floated a while back about game stats for some of the books' characters and creatures, I'd like to also throw in my support for that. I don't really get a chance to game nowadays myself, but I know for a fact that I would not have sought out Leiber, Lovecraft, and Moorcock if I hadn't been exposed to their pantheons of gods and heroes in an old TSR Deities & Demigods book I picked up when I was 12. I'm sure a lot of gamers nowadays would have a similar experience if they picked up a stats book first.
Finally, if they're not too much of a hassle, could you please keep getting authors to write introductions to these books? Moorcock's introduction to Brackett's was delight, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Joe Lansdale has to say about Kuttner.
Keep up the good work!
I am thoroughly enjoying the Northwest Smith stories - I think the best Planet Stories book yet! I have been thinking about my earlier idea of a book of game stats in support of the PS line - I think Paizo should partner up with Green Ronin and do it as a True20 supplement. Vaguely possible to use with a more standard 3.5 OGL, but in a form designed to cover a wide technological range.
Or since the True20 license will be (is?) free, Paizo could just do the Planet Stories Bestiary in True20 stats w/out direct GR involvement.
Just a thought.
Not a suggestion, but just wondering if you were aware that there is an audio recording of C.L. Moore reading Shambleau. I happened to come across it in the university catalog, but haven't had a chance to go check it out yet.
Erik, FYI, still haven't heard back on side two of the tape. I haven't forgotten, but academia can be slooooooooooooooow.
Good thing you already know how it ends. :P
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Not sure if its in keeping with the 'pulpy' feel of Planet Stories, but the True Game series by Sherri S Tepper is certainly a great, original fantasy read that doesn't seem to have been in print for the last ten years.
And, from a purely selfish perspective, I'd love to get my hands on copies of my own after a friend lent them to me.
A trilogy of trilogies the books were:
Song of Mavin Manyshaped
Flight of Mavin Manyshaped
Search of Mavin Manyshaped
Kings Blood Four
Necromancer Nine
Wizard's Eleven
Jinian Footseer
Dervish Daughter
Jinian Star-Eye
That cover is incredible. Wow. WAAAAAY cooler than I expected when I saw it was a Lulu link.
I have the original DAW Imaro books, but they're buried pretty deep in the work bookcase, next to stuff like RAUM and ORON. Howard Jones from Black Gate has been prodding me to contact Saunders and pick up the Imaro flag, but I confess I have not yet read the books. They sound great and they're inching their way to the top of the pile, but they're not quite at the top.
I'm very excited because I'm about to hit four plane trips in seven days. I tend to read Planet Stories type fiction on planes more than anywhere else, and I've got quite a lineup ready to go.
Phil Farmer's Hadon of Ancient Opar is at the top of the list, but I've also got Sos the Rope by Piers Anthony, Across the Zodiac by Percy Greg, Warrior of Llarn by Gardner F. Fox, and Who Fears the Devil? by Many Wade Wellman.
On second thought, Imaro is not so deeply buried after all.
"Who Fears the Devil" is IMHo the greatest collection of 2american" fantasy stories ever written. Wellman also wrote quite a bit "Pulp SF" aside from all his Fantasy/Horror stories. Night Shade books has republished a ton of Wellman in EXPENSIVE hardbacks! We need affordable paperbacks. Can I assume that Night Shade has all the Wellman rights tied up or would they just have "Hardback" reprint rights.
What are the chances of seeing some Karl Edward Wagner books?The Llarn books are fun, but just like the Moorcock Mars books, they are 2nd rate Burroughs.
Take care.
Doug
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Hey Erik,
Any news on whether there is much chance of securing the rights to some of the stuff by Gardner F. Fox?
Personally, I always loved the Kyrik - Warlock Warrior. And I'm pretty sure that's where the inspiration for Jubilex came from.
Also, Kothar: Barbarian Swordsman was one of the first fantasy novels that I ever read. :)
If you do get the rights to some Gardner Fox, is there any chance that you could get somebody from DC comics to do the preface. After all, Fox was also one of the most important comic book authors of the silver age.
Finally, here are a couple of semi-random suggestions for future books:
- Hiero's Journey and The Unforsaken Hiero by Sterling Lanier - The source of the original 1e psionics system and the inspiration behind the the entire Gamma World setting. The Unclean may have also shaped the concept of the Scarlet Brotherhood in the World of Greyhawk.
- Sign of the Labrys by Margaret St. Clair - This book is a bit dated and is heavily influenced by the theories of Robert Graves from The White Goddess, but it is still great fun and has a genuine 'pulp' feel.
- The Face in the Frost by John Bellairs - Not really pulp fantasy, but a fantastic novella that mixes whimsical humor with sheer horror. It starts off as a light-hearted romp in the spirit of Jack Vance and then suddenly changes into something much, much darker. The horror scenes in this novel are some of the most effective and frightening ever published.
- The World of the Tiers series by Philip José Farmer - some of my favorite SF adventure stories of all time. However, I'm not sure if they are currently out of print.
- Brak the Barbarian by John Jakes - Very interesting, considering the fame that the author would later acquire as the author of the Civil War novel North & South
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Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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Bellairs is on the to-read pile (in my travel bag right now, actually), and the Fox stuff is in the middle-near agenda. Securing the rights to that means a trip, though, and I haven't been able to fit it in. Probably by the end of the summer. I'd like to include him in the line because he was one of the first authors we seriously considered.
I should know more soon.
I want to read some St. Clair, but I am not too familiar with her at the moment.
Thanks for the suggestions, folks! Keep 'em coming!
[list]
Hiero's Journey and The Unforsaken Hiero by Sterling Lanier - The source of the original 1e psionics system and the inspiration behind the the entire Gamma World setting. The Unclean may have also shaped the concept of the Scarlet Brotherhood in the World of Greyhawk.
Classics, especially the first one. Loved it.
The Face in the Frost by John Bellairs
Best novel about wizardy ever! It's somewhat like the Big Lebowski, insofar as every time I read it, I like it better. And, for D&D antecedent junkies, Bellairs' wizards have spellbooks, and the novel contains a quote along the lines of "Prospero sat in the garden, memorizing spells..."
I am working on Wellman.
AWESOME! I love the Silver John stories -- esp. the novel-length ones.
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Erik -- I'm currently reading Andre Norton's first 5-6 "Witch World" novels: cool ideas, including gates, allowing her to insert a bit of SciFi into the fantasy setting. If out of print, they'd be good candidates, I think.
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Hmmm....how about a couple more suggestions:
- The Horseclans series by Robert Adams. These have been out of print for a while. Indeed, I seem to recall that there was some kind of legal dispute that prevented them from being reprinted for almost a decade after the author's death. Mundania Press announced that they would reprint the entire series in 2005, but they never got past the first book. I'm not sure what the current status of the rights are.
- The Fallible Fiend by L. Sprague De Camp. You'll never look at demons the same way again after reading this book :)
- The Pusadian Tales by L Sprague De Camp. In addition to the novel the Tritonian Ring, De Camp wrote a number of stories set in the same universe. To the best of my knowledge, nobody has ever collected the whole series into a single volume :)
- Come to think of it, are the Novarian novels by De Camp now out of print? I have very fond memories of the Reluctant King series - The Goblin Tower, The Clocks of Iraz, and The Unbeheaded King.
- And what about a few of the lesser-known collaborations between De Camp and Fletcher Pratt? The Harold Shea series is still in print, but stuff like The Carnelian Cube and Land of Unreason has been out of print for ages.
- The Well of the Unicorn by Fletcher Pratt was recently republished, but I think that The Blue Star has been out of print since the Ballantine Adult Fantasy series in the 1970's, save for a small re-release in 1981.
- The Raven: Swordmistress of Chaos series from the 1970's. These were written by Richard Kirk, which was actually a pseudonym for British Science fiction writers Robert Holdstock and Angus Wells.
Dunno what's wrong with me. Pratt's and deCamp's "Compleat Enchanter" stories are some of my all-time favorites: witty, fast-moving, thoroughly enjoyable...
But deCamp by himself is a bit too "cutesy" for my taste; the Unbeheaded King stories were fun, but Fallible Fiend I found slightly annoying, and Lest Darkness Fall was like a cheap ripoff of Twain's vastly more interesting Connecticut Yankee.
I tried finishing Pratt's Well of the Unicorn at least twice. Twice I failed. Without deCamp, he's so dry that he makes the Gobi seem like a swamp in comparison.
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I want to see Karl Edward Wagner's Kane series back in print. I've only read Bloodstone, because they're very hard to find, but it's in my top five favorite sword & sorcery books of all time. I need to read the rest so that I can die without regrets. I'd like to read new copies, and not copies that are thirty years old and smell like cat pee. I've been forced to read way too many books that smell like cat pee in my quest to Know S@$+ about the sword & sorcery genre.
So let's see Bloodstone, Dark Crusade, Darkness Weaves, Death Angel's Shadow, and Night Winds back in print, ASAP. Start with Death Angel's Shadow. It has the coolest title.
Also, I rather enjoyed Lin Carter's Zanthodon series. Not quite as smutty as his usual fare, but still sleazy enough to be real fun. I bet the whole series could be published as two books.
Leigh Brackett
Michael Moorcock
Henry Kuttner
C. L. Moore
Robert E. Howard
A. Merritt
Edmond Hamilton
Otis Adelbert Kline
Roger Zelazny
Manly Wade Wellman
Jack Vance
Gardner F. Fox
Eando Binder
John Brunner
Karl Edward Wagner
Lin Carter
J.U. Giesy
Robert Moore Williams (a guilty pleasure I am not sure I dare reprint)
Damn, Eric. That's pretty much my childhood reading list. My dad collected pulp and post-pulp authors instead of actually studying in college. I grew up on an over 2000 volume library. 29 cent double books and all.
But, I ask, what about H. Beam Piper.
One of my all time faves: Junkyard Planet aka The Cosmic Computer
PS Last I checked Lanier is still alive, and his editors (and fans) keep pushing for a third Hiero book. God those books are awesome. One of the most wonderful rendering of psionics I've ever read.
Bump.
H. Beam Piper's work is in the public domain...
Not a suggestion, but just wondering if you were aware that there is an audio recording of C.L. Moore reading Shambleau. I happened to come across it in the university catalog, but haven't had a chance to go check it out yet.Erik, FYI, still haven't heard back on side two of the tape. I haven't forgotten, but academia can be slooooooooooooooow.
Now it has a "missing" status, and the person in charge of the multimedia has not responded to repeated e-mails from me. Better hold on to that piece you have! This is exactly the sort of thing I was worried about.
This isn't a request for an author, but rather for an annual (??) product that ties in with the RPG side of your business:
'Bestiary of Planet Stories'
Imagine having the d20, or True20, or whatever system, stats for the Argzoon, the dastardly Blue Giants of Mars! While a Bestiary, it could also highlight personalities, so we see Inhetep in his Mystic Theurge glory....
I don't know if there is any other copyright involved, but I for one would pick up something like this in a heartbeat. I'm thinking soft cover, 64 pages, though hard cover and bigger wouldn't deter me either. ;)
Just to follow up, having just devoured the Ginger Star this morning and from the other thread that has the old Dragon "Giants of the Earth" stats for EJS... I really hope an RPG supplement to the Planet Stories line could be worked on.
Pathfinder RPG stats could definitely work, and make it very accessible to anyone using those rules that is also a Pathfinder subscriber.
I recently discovered the Savage Worlds game, and that is a strong contender for translating fiction into RPG terms with minimum fuss. I plan on trying out a ("low-level") Vlad Taltos (pre-GW), just to see how he'd look Savage... seems like it'll be easier than multi-classing or house-ruling various d20 classes.