I just came across the list of "Inspiring Reading" list at the end of the book. I'd like to say, I was quite suprised to see Manly Wade Wellman's "John the Ballader" series of books/short stories included.
While not your typical sword & sorcery type writing, his stories are very evocative with a great blend of chiristian and american indian beliefs. After I had discovered his writings, they certainly severed as an inspiration for one of my old charatcers. A bard by the name of Jontilliatus Pharthosae.
Other writers I have found to be inspiration for gaming, and I thought kind of odd to not be included are:
David Eddings (The Belgariad and Malorean series)
Andre Norton (The Witch World series)
and
Piers Anthony (The Magic of Xanth series)
What are some of you guys/gals "Inspired Reading"?