by Isaac Asimov
First published 1984
This collection spans the breadth of heroic fantasy through thirteen tales. Robert E. Howard's Red Nails finds Conan in deadly ruins. Fritz Leiber's Ill Met in Lankhmar shows how Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser first met in the city of thieves. Jack Vance takes readers to the Dying Earth with Guyal of Sfere seeking ancient knowledge. Roger Zelazny crafts an icy tower of mystery while Andre Norton spins spider silk into magic. Suzy McKee Charnas weaves a unicorn tapestry of transformation. H. Rider Haggard explores hearts both black and white in African adventure. Michael Moorcock ventures into lands beyond the world's edge. Janet Morris examines the bond between a man and his deity. Thomas Burnett Swann searches for the mythical Bird of Fire. Avram Davidson offers dark nocturnal counsel. Poul Anderson opens the Gate of the Flying Knives to eastern mysticism. Each story delivers complete worlds of magic, combat, and wonder. The collection showcases fantasy's power to transport readers across impossible landscapes where heroes face supernatural threats.
Genres: short-stories, adventure, fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, heroes-journey
Setting: Lankhmar, Dying Earth, Africa
612 pages · Hardcover · Random House Value Publishing