Last summer I read the original Dying Earth short stories, and re-read The Eyes of the Overworld and Cugel's Saga. I thoroughly enjoyed them! Just this past week I finally got around to reading (for the first time) Rhialto the Marvelous, which I also found, well, marvelous. I think that I slightly prefer the Cugel tales, simply because Rhialto is a bit too competent and powerful. But all of the Dying Earth tales are magnificent, and well worth reading by anyone who loves fantasy and appreciates dark humour.
I am looking forward to reading the anthology Songs of the Dying Earth: Stories in Honour of Jack Vance in a few weeks!
I love how all the grand science fantasy time-and-space-travel adventuring of Rhialto and Co. is constantly interrupted and undercut by extended bouts of bickering and pettifoggery. And what's more, those are the best bits.
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteSome of the best fantasy fiction I've ever read. As CC said, the aggravatingly human elements are the best parts. Worth going back to again and again.
DeleteIf you haven't read it, the tribute collection Songs of the Dying Earth is worthwhile as well. It's not Vance himself, but it's still an enjoyable take on the Dying Earth by known authors who are also fans.
Have you read Shea's A Quest For Simbilis? If you enjoy Cugel you will enjoy Shea's Vancian homage.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation, Aaron! I'll definitely try to track Shea's novel down.
DeleteI enjoyed the contrast of Rhialto and Cugel. I just wish he'd have written more Dying Earth stories. I'll be curious to hear what you think of the homage volume. I was attracted by the authors, but I had heard disappointing things about the results, so I have avoided it.
ReplyDeletepretty nice blog, following :)
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