History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Swords Around a Throne: Napoleon's Grand Armee

Average customer rating:

Not the typical Napoleon biography
Generalization
Informative and Interesting
Entertaining and informative
If you read one book on Napoleon this must be it!

Swords Around a Throne: Napoleon's Grand Armee
John R. Elting
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0029095018

Customer Reviews:

Not the typical Napoleon biography.......2006-02-25

Swords Around a Throne is not your typical Napoleon book. Elting concentrates on topics which MAY rate a sentence or paragraph in other biographies. Elting concentrates on the different divisions of the Grand Armée including uniforms, in-depth looks at his marshals and the navy instead of regurgitating the different battles he fought. Swords Around a Throne is a good change of pace to the other biographies of Napoleon as it provides a different aspect to the Napoleonic Wars and his empire. Well worth the time to read.

Generalization.......2006-02-01

The problem with thick books that try to capture large subjects is that they must generalize and leave out a lot of data, and here there is no difference. If you are looking of a general overview of the Grande Armee during more then two decades of the French First Republic and Empire, this book will inform. However it is not meant to provide or be a definitive statement on any of the topics discussed in the chapters. Its a guide, rather then a scholarly work. This is particularly true where armies other then French are discussed, or where equal space has been given to its largest corps, the Infantry or Cavalry.
Other works dealing with specific areas should be consulted after readin this work.

Informative and Interesting.......2005-11-23

This is an excellent book, both informative and interesting. Even while discussing rather dry topics, the author manages to work in humourous anecdotes or observations.

It is important to understand that this book is not a narrative history of Napoleon's campaigns--rather, it is broken down into chapters which describe various aspects of Napoleon's army--the guard, foreign units, allied units, supply organization, cavalry, artillery, and many many others; for each chapter/topic, the author describes the pre-Napoleonic context, as well as developments under Napoleon.

Entertaining and informative.......2005-07-19

Col. Elting's inimitable writing style is sorely missed. Unfortunately, he died a few years ago (which several reviewers will be saddened to learn). He wrote with such lively humor and energy, that he always entertained while he informed. Does the book contain a few flaws? Sure it does, and they have been mentioned in the other reviews. The author's approach, strictly speaking, is not what would be described as "scholarly." Elting is a bit of a francophile, but perhaps acts as counterbalance to the anglophilia that dominates most English-language work on the Napoleonic period. (Owen Connelly, another American, is one of the most objective writers covering the period). Overall, Swords Around A Throne surpasses most other studies of the "Grande Armee" if only by merit of Elting's irreplaceble prose.

If you read one book on Napoleon this must be it!.......2003-11-09

'One quick blow and the wars over' with these words Napoleon led his army from the banks of the English Channel towards Austria, towards a small town named Austerlitz.

This book is quite simply the best and more detailed thorough account of Napoleon and his grand army. It details such notables as General Ney, who fought Wellington in Spain and was latter suspected of treason by Napoleon. It details the invasion the russia, the 'napoleon at bay' campaigns of 1814 and the final showdown at waterloo. Great biogrpaical sketches are made of all Napoleons commanders and their various campaigns. Simply an excellent lucid account.

Average customer rating:
Warcraft Lands Of Mystery (Sword & Sorcery D20)

Manufacturer: Arthaus
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Role Playing & Fantasy | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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World of Warcraft The Role Playing Game: More Magic and Mayhem (Warcraft)

World Of Warcraft: Horde Player's Guide (World of Warcraft)

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World Of Warcraft The Roleplaying Game (d20 3.5)

Warcraft Lands of Conflict (Warcraft)

ASIN: 1588467848

Average customer rating:

Well written

A must read if you have any interest in this conflict...

The Falklands War from an Argentine Perspective?
ARGENTINE FIGHT FOR THE FALKLANDS (Pen & Sword Military Classics)
Martin Middlebrook
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Argentina | South America | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Battle for the Falklands

The Falklands War 1982 (Essential Histories)

One Hundred Days: The Memoirs of the Falklands Battle Group Commander (Bluejacket Books Series)

Land That Lost Its Heroes

Air War in the Falklands 1982 (Osprey Combat Aircraft 28)

ASIN: 0850529786

Book Description

This book provides new light on the way the Argentine forces were organized for war, the plans and reactions of the commanders, the sufferings of the soldiers and the shame and disillusionment of defeat. Martin Middlebrook has produced a genuine 'first' with this unique work.

Martin Middlebrook is the only British historian to have been granted open access to the Argentines who planned and fought the Falklands War. It ranks with Liddel Hart's The Other side of the Hill in analyzing and understanding the military thinking and strategies of Britain's sometime enemy, and is essential reading for all who wish to understand the workings of military minds.

The book provides new light on the way Argentine forces were organized for war, the plans and reactions of the commanders, the sufferings of the soldiers and the shame and disillusionment of defeat.

Customer Reviews:

Well written.......2007-08-15

A good book covering the angles from a different side - detailed in some areas but silent on others especially as a cross reference against the very British publications (eg Max Hastings etc).
A very good book on the individual stories and very well worth the read if nothing more than on the very different perspective from the Argentine side.

A must read if you have any interest in this conflict..........2007-05-10

I have never read one of Mr Middlebrook's books before, but I am now searching for other titles by him. Because this was one of those books that I had a hard time putting down. Up front let me say that my nationalty is British and I can remember the Falklands War like it was yesterday. However despite having read numerous accounts of the British Victory very little has been said from the perspective of the soldiers who wore the Argentine Unform. This book changes all that, and thru what where obviously some pretty intense interviews as you read this book you start to get a feeling and even an understanding of the passions and emotions of the young soldiers facing the Brits. In the western press we hear about the superiority of the British War machine during the conflict; however the Argentines did put up a spirited if ineffective defence of the Falklands. Another thing that I thought was very interesting about this book is that we get to see how and why misinformation was distributed in the fog of war. I suppose the difference between the British and Argentine governments is that we laid open the books after the conflict to the public versus the Argentines who outright lied to preserve face. Then there are the issues of the foot soldiers on the Argentine side who despite facing what is arguable the best trained army in the world, displayed uncommon gallantry far and above what the pro British press has previously reported. About the only thing I wish Mr Middlebrook had fleshed out a little more is politcs of the Argentines on the mainland.

The Falklands War from an Argentine Perspective?.......2005-08-24

For those of you looking for something different to Sir Lawrence Freedman's official history, or Max Hastings 'Falklands War', try Martin Middlebrook's 'The Argentine Fight for the Falklands'. I bought it thinking it was another Argentine perspective. But for Falklands analysts it is still worth having in the library. Pages 131-132 alone are worth the price. Two British frigates were very nearly sunk by an Argentine submarine. Why they survived makes interesting reading and is very useful for capability analysis today.

Japanese Infantryman 1937-45: Sword of the Empire (Warrior)

Average customer rating:

A worthy attempt to explain the inexplicable

Japanese Infantryman 1937-45: Sword of the Empire (Warrior)
Gordon Rottman
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1841768189
Release Date: 2005-08-10

Book Description

This book examines in detail the Japanese Infantryman who was, despite comparisons with the notorious German Waffen SS, an enigma to Westerners. Brutal in its treatment of prisoners as well as the inhabitants of the areas that it conquered, the Imperial Japanese Army also had exacting standards for its own men - strict codes of honor compelled Japanese soldiers to fight to the death against the more technologically advanced Allies. Identifying the ways in which the Japanese soldier differed from his Western counterpart, the author explores concepts such as Bushido, Seppuku, Shiki and Hakko Ichi-u in order to understand what motivated Japanese warriors.

Customer Reviews:

A worthy attempt to explain the inexplicable.......2005-10-04

I wanted to learn more about the Japanese soldier of World War Two from the viewpoint of the private. Gordon L. Rottman didn't disappoint. He describes squad and platoon organization, individual clothing and equipment, and follows a fictional soldier through his career. Most readers will find the Imperial Japanese soldier alien--because they expect the product of early 20th-Century Japan to think, feel, and act just like themselves. Let go of prejudice and it will be easier to see what life was like for a son of Nippon.

To be crudely blunt, life was Hell for the Imperial Japanese soldier. Japan was too poverty-stricken to support her soldiers in the field. The Japanese war machine took over the nation and bogged it down in a land war that made America's Vietnamese nightmare seem gentle. Don't forget--the utter fanaticism of the Japanese soldier led to Harry Truman dropping two atomic bombs on Japanese cities so that American soldiers and sailors and Marines wouldn't have to die storming the home islands. Death, and the promise of a Japanese Vahalla, must have been a blessed relief from disease, starvation, and boredom--and the terror of pre-invasion bombardment by the American Navy.

I really liked the detail on the light machine gun team and its equipment. Apparently, only four 30-round magazines were issued for the Type 96 and Type 99 light machine guns--and between 450 and 750 rounds of ammunition. The flexible nature of Japanese small unit organization was well presented. For a 64-page book targeting an English-speaking audience, this book is an excellent reference on the life and equipment of the lowest level of the Japanese military machine.

Beyond the Burning Lands (The Swords of the Spirits Trilogy)

Average customer rating:

the best "war book" I've read.
The best of the three
VOLCANIC EMOTIONS AND EVENTS

Beyond the Burning Lands (The Swords of the Spirits Trilogy)
John Christopher
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0020425724

Customer Reviews:

the best "war book" I've read........2005-11-04

beyond the burning lands by John Christopher... I finished it last weekend, and I won't lie, I waited for monday just to check out the next by christopher. I LOVE this series, and I can't wait to finish this one. I personally think its better than the harry potter series, but thats just me. This is serious and darker than Harry Potter, and also embodies what one undergoes in life, no matter what the situation. sadness, lies, anger, hatred are allcharacteristics of a human. Christopher Hooked me on the first book, The Prince In Waiting, and I absolutely loved it. The Structure and dramaticism is incredible and the way he transposes his characters into feelings we can all relate to, And Luke, most of all being a confused man in a changing world.

The best of the three.......2003-11-08

The pacing is odd at times and the book could have done with the last couple of chapters being stretched out somewhat, but in the end this is a fairly satisfying read. The best part, from the point of view of someone who has read most of John Christopher's post-apocalyptic young adult fiction (bizarre genre, no?), is that Christopher *finally* manages to develop some decently written, even believable, female characters. Pity that strength is set to crash and burn in the third volume of the series.

VOLCANIC EMOTIONS AND EVENTS.......1998-04-19

Luke's adventures continue as he learns about the Seers and their scientific discoveries in their underground sanctuary near Stonehenge. Although he realizes that the national religion is pure bunk, Luke wants to use it to further his own ambitions. But he is too young and restless to wait for years until the Seers--who study and recreate ancient Technology on the sly-- are ready.

The hot-headed hero sets off on his own to explore the lands beyond the volcanic barrier to the England of the medieval Future. Seeking the mythical city of Klan Gothlam in the country of the Wilsh, Luke meets a fair princess and a huge sea monster. Again he must evaluate an entirely new lifestyle, but despite the dangers of this journey, Luke must confront the greatest challenge to his Crown Prince status when he returns home. Not on a par with PRINCE IN WAITING: a good story but unevenly paced.

Average customer rating:
OLD FRONT LINE, THE (Pen & Sword Military)
John Masefield
Manufacturer: Pen and Sword
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Weapons & Warfare | Military | History | Subjects | Books | Biological & Chemical | Control | Conventional | Nuclear
World War I | Military | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1844154459

Book Description

July 1st 1916 is a date that remains embedded in the British folk memory. It was the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the day on which British and Empire troops suffered nearly 60,000 casualties, a third of them fatal. In this evocative classic memoir John Masefield, the future Poet Laureate, describes the battleground over which the armies were to fight. He had spent months at the front and was familiar with the men, the trenches that they inhabited and the conditions that they endured. 'The Old Front Line' was written shortly after the battle, and this elegant account will still move the modern reader as well as providing a valuable guide for the many 21st century visitors to the battlefield.

This edition has a powerful new Introduction by Martin Middlebrook.

Average customer rating:

Sword Beach (Battle Zone Normandy)
Ken Ford
Manufacturer: Sutton Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0750930195

Book Description

When British 3rd Infantry Division landed on Sword Beach in Normandy on D-Day, it was the most powerful to date, comprising infantry, armor, commandos, self propelled artillery and anti-tank guns, specialist assault armor and a host of support units. Covered by a tactical air force and supported by the offshore guns of the Royal Navy, the division assaulted Sword Beach with a force that was unstoppable. Within hours of the first touchdown tanks and infantry were ashore, fanning out across the countryside to enlarge the lodgement and sending an armored thrust towards their first objective, Caen, just seven miles away. Then it all went wrong. Sword was the only Allied beachhead to suffer armored counterattack by a German panzer division on D-Day and from then on the invaders struggled to make any progress. Advances that should have been measured in miles were reduced to a few hedgerows, or a field here and a wood there. Caen was not captured for seven more weeks. Covering both the triumph of the Sword Beach landings and the disappointment of the failure to capitalize on that early success, the first seven days that British troops were back on the soil of mainland Europe make a fascinating story. Ken Ford allows the reader to stand on the spot where momentous decisions were made, see how and why the battle lost its momentum and understand why the Caen attack slowed almost to stalemate.

Average customer rating:

Middle of the Road
The Sword of the Land
Huge Disappointment
I have confidence once more...
Beautiful

The Sword of the Land
Noel-Anne Brennan
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0441010318
Release Date: 2003-02-25

Book Description

An epic romantic fantasy debut.

Rilsin was fated to rule the land of Saeditin-until a bloody coup killed her family around her, and she was drafted into service to the new queen, her own cousin. Now, Rilsin must choose between a long-awaited peace-and a betrayal that could ruin the very kingdom she pledged to protect...

Customer Reviews:

Middle of the Road.......2006-07-01

This was an okay book. It was fairly enjoyable, except that I kept waiting for the "real story" to start. It's fairly obvious that Rilsin is going to have to overthrow her cousin and oust her from the throne -- Sithli is an incompetent ruler -- and I spent almost the entire novel waiting for the rebellion to get started. I suppose we're supposed to be all caught up in Rilsin's struggle with her divided loyalties, but instead all I felt was incredibly frustrated.

Still, the author made me care enough that I finished the entire book. There were some extremely compelling moments and ideas, and Ms. Brennan has a gift for creating fascinating, three-dimensional characters. I found the plot boring and relatively uninteresting, however. This book didn't give me that compulsive page-turning, "I can't wait to see what happens next" feeling.

So I'm giving this book three stars -- its good points and its bad points average out to leave it smack dab in the middle.

The Sword of the Land.......2006-02-27

This was an excellent book! The writing style along with the plot reminded me a little of Robin McKinley.
I was surprised at how good the book was. The book begins with murder and betrayal, and that continues through most of the book. The heroine, Rilsin, is intelligent and amazing - but not perfect, which makes her fun to read. The book could have used a bit more light and fun, but the serious tone was very convincing, considering all the serious things happening.
I definitely recommend this book to any lover of fantasy, as well as people who love other genres.

And if you like this book, I recommend both of Robin McKinley's books that are like it (I mentioned one above): "The Blue Sword" and it's prequel (of sorts), "The Hero and the Crown".

Huge Disappointment.......2005-05-20

I purchased this book based on the reviews that I had read. Overall it had reviewed well. After reading this book it was .... disappointing .... The writting style was annoying jumping here and there. Compeltly disjointed with no flow thru the story. The story itself was simplistic. Almost as if the author had followed a formula "How to write a book in 30-days". If you must have this book, save yourself the money and find it in a used bookstore. I am sure it will be there, as this is not a keeper.

I have confidence once more..........2004-11-17

Damn, this is a good book. This is a very thrilling fantasy that keeps your attention all the way till the end. I never wanted to stop reading it because so many incredible things were happening and I wanted to find out what happens next, etc., and, well, I just kept going and going.

Sword of the Land is remarkable in that its characters, plot, and writing style are engaging, exciting, admirable, and fast-paced. The heroine, Rilson, is very likable, as she is one who has gone through so much pain and betrayal, but still manages to live for what she believes in, no matter who is trying to take advantage of her throughout her life.

This book is one of the books I bought from just reading reviews on Amazon.com. Usually when I do this I regret it, but my p.o.v is that if you don't try new things, you might miss a big opportunity. I am so glad I got the great opportunity of reading this book, and hope you take the chance to, too. I can probably say this is one of my favorites.

Beautiful.......2004-09-09

This is by far one of my favorite fantasy books. It portrays a young, strong heroine named Rilsin, but she also has weaknesses. She isn't as beautiful as other fantasy heroines, or even her cousin Sithli, but her personality is so constistent.

She is forced to protect and obey her cousin's rule, even though it was stolen from Rilsin in the first place. She has now problem with that at first because she does love her cousin dearly and her cousin did save her life from Silthi's mother.

Although, the book did have more typos than I've ever seen in a book. But that's not exactly the authors fault. Great read! I recommend very much!

In Lands That Never Were: Tales of Swords and Sorcery from The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction

Average customer rating:

Classic tales and new interpretations of this timeless subgenre.
Quality tales of adventure and magic

In Lands That Never Were: Tales of Swords and Sorcery from The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction

Manufacturer: Thunder's Mouth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Adventure | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Short Stories | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1568583141

Book Description

Long before Arnold attempted a pale copy, Conan the Barbarian held sway over the land, and all was swell. Neither man nor woman, beast nor spirit could rival him. Then, for many a day, he disappeared ... but lo, now he's back! Conan is featured, together with some of fantasy's favorite characters, in this compendium of swordplay and wizardry, fleet-footed thieves and flat-footed palace guards, witches and man-eating leopards, giants and giant slugs. In Lands That Never Were also Includes introductions to each story by the editor.

Customer Reviews:

Classic tales and new interpretations of this timeless subgenre........2006-08-04

_In Lands That Never Were_ includes several classic epic fantasy / swords and sorcery heroes and a few brilliant modern renditions of that timeless subgenre, culled from over fifty years of _The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction_.

A Conan story fittingly opens this anthology, as Robert E. Howard's barbarian is the most famous fantasy character ever. Fritz Leiber invented the "duo of rogues" pairing with his barbarian Fafhrd and thief the Grey Mouser. "Ill Met in Lankhmar" tells of their first meeting, when the infiltrate a thieves' guild.

Two brilliant young writers use this classic duo format to spin their own tales that blend sword and sorcery with cerebral modern elements. Charles Coleman Finlay sends his rogues Kuikin and Vertir on a vivid quest through jungles to recover the chrysalis of a hibernating god. Chris Willrich's duo includes a thief and a poet. They ruminate on the nature of emotion as they seek the physical embodiment of an old king's sorrow, created by the king's bargain with a dark sorcerer.

Unfortunately, few of the other stories in _Lands_ live up to the wild adventure of Leiber or the clever concepts of Finlay and Willrich. Ellen Kushner offers a glimpse of the heroes from her dueling novel _Swordspoint_, and Ursula LeGuin returns to the world of her Earthsea novels. But these stories, and the meandering tales by R. Garcia y Robertson and Pat Murphy, never leap off the page with vivid imagination.

_Lands_ offers a good introduction to classic as well as modern swords and sorcery, including tales from the two writers who defined the genre and the two modern writers best continuing it.

Quality tales of adventure and magic.......2005-10-19

This is a collection of short stories and novellas from aleading speculative fiction magazine, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. Selected by its current, award-winning editor, Gordon Van Gelder, these stories span the years from 1967-2004 (with most being more recent) and, for the most part, feature excellent writing from veterans and newcomers alike. A quick inventory:

* The Hall of the Dead, Robert Howard and L. Sprague de Camp: Old-school adventure featuring a young, thieving Conan and a cursed city. (Written by de Camp from Howard's outline; the outline and many of Howard's original Conan tales may be found in the excellent collection, The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian.)
* A Hedge Against Alchemy, John Morressy: a wizard confronts a rock-brained barbarian; self-consciously witty but a quick read
* Ill Met in Lankhmar, Fritz Leiber: the classic account of the initial, tragic meeting of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser; a must-read for S&S fans. (This and the duo's other initial adventures may be found in a collection called The Three of Swords.)
* Counting the Shapes, Yoon Ha Lee: a poignant reunion of a sorceress and her long-lost son in the midst of war
* Firebird, R. Garcia y Robertson: fresh, Russian-flavored girl-meets-knight story; fantastic setting
* Dragon's Gate, Pat Murphy: a tomboy-bard seeks a dragon's help; painless but a bit obvious
* After the Gaud Chrysalis, Charles Coleman Finlay: the second adventure of the swordsman Vertir and the scribe Kuikan; excellent description ("showing") of setting and characterization. (Their first adventure, For Want of a Nail, is in the March 2003 issue; their third, Of Silence & the Man at Arms, is in the June 2005 issue.)
* The Swordsman Whose Name Was Not Death, Ellen Kushner: master duelist Richard St. Vier and his moody scribe/friend/lover Alec cope with a persistent visitor; you'll likely either love or hate Kushner's tales of these two (which feature no magic, abundant intrigue, and are set in a city akin to 16th-17th century London or Paris. Their complete doings may be found in the recent edition of the novel Swordspoint.)
* The Island in the Lake, Phyllis Eisenstein: Alaric the magical minstrel investigates the noble household that dwells in the center of a poisonous lake
* Darkrose & Diamond, Ursula Le Guin: more gorgeous prose from a grand master
* King Rainjoy's Tears, Chris Willrich: the second adventure of the poet Persimmon Gaunt and her long-lived lover, the thief Imago Bone; one of the best stories here. (Their similarly excellent first adventure may be found in the June 2000 issue. One hopes for more tales from this talented author--or at least a website.)
* The Fantasy Writer's Assistant, Jeffrey Ford: the only story here set (partially) in the present day; a student takes a part-time job as a consistency-checker for a prolific chronicler of Conan-esque yarns. (Be sure to check out Ford's collection, The FWA & Other Stories, as well as his more recent work. The neatly crafted "The Empire of Ice Cream" may be found in the 2005 Nebula Awards collection.)

Overall, a solid collection of tales that will please most fans of heroic fantasy and S&S. Four steel-bright stars.

Footnote: The introduction notes that there may be a distinction between heroic fantasy and S&S. Through the efforts of Howard Andrew Jones and others at swordandsorcery.org (the Flashing Swords e-zine), that distinction has finally been defined. (In a nutshell, S&S is 'fantasy with dirt' and less-than-noble characters most often opposed by magic rather than aided by it.) By this standard, the only true S&S tales in those collection are those featuring Conan, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, Vertir and Kuikan, and Persimmon Gaunt and Imago Bone. I mention this simply for the benefit of the most zealous among us. ;)

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