Classics of Fantasy
Here we present some of the most classic, seminal works of the genre. Naturally, any such list can’t be entirely comprehensive, but if you consider yourself a Fantasy reader, then you will want to read the books listed here (based on the content of Fluent in Fantasy by Diana T. Herald).
A Spell for Chameleon by Piers Anthony (1977)
Xanth was the enchanted land where magic ruled – where every citizen had a special spell only he could cast. That is, except for Bink of North Village. He was sure he possessed no magic, and knew that if he didn't find some soon, he would be exiled. Also try the rest of the Xanth Series.
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle (1968)
Recounts the quest of the last unicorn, who leaves the protection of the enchanted forest to search for her own kind, and who is joined by Schmendrick the Magician and Molly Grue in her search.
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (1979)
Here is the magical legend of King Arthur, vividly retold through the eyes and lives of the women who wielded power from behind the throne. Bradley's retelling – primarily through the eyes of Morgaine, Arthur's half-sister – is rich in detail and complete in scope. Also try the rest of the Avalon Series.
The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks (1977)
Long ago, the wars of the ancient Evil ruined the world. In peaceful Shady Vale, half-elfin Shea Ohmsford knows little of such troubles. But the supposedly dead Warlock Lord is plotting to destroy everything in his wake. This was the first modern Fantasy novel ever to appear on the New York Times Best Seller list.
Little, Big by John Crowley (1981)
Smoky Barnable travels by foot from the City to a place called Edgewood, not found on any map, to marry Daily Alice Drinkawater, as was prophesied. It is a story of fantastic love and heartrending loss; of impossible things and unshakable destinies; and of the great Tale that envelops us all. Also try Otherwise (1979).
Lord Foul’s Bane by Stephen Donaldson (1977)
Because of the magical and fantastic strangeness of the Land to which he’s been transported, Thomas Covenant finds it hard to believe it even exists. Thus, he calls himself "The Unbeliever" and does not realize how perilous is the fate of the world. Also try the rest of the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.
The Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings (1982)
It all begins with the theft of the Orb that protected the West from an evil god. Garion, a simple farm boy, is familiar with the legend of the Orb, but skeptical in matters of magic – until, through a twist of fate, he learns not only that the story of the Orb is true, but that he must set out on a quest of unparalleled magic and danger to help recover it. This is the first novel in The Belgariad.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman (1973)
From the Cliffs of Insanity through the Fire Swamp and down into the Zoo of Death, this incredible journey is peppered with strange beasts both monstrous and gentle and memorable surprises both terrible and sublime.
She by H. Rider Haggard (1887)
A father's mysterious legacy lures Leo Vincey and his two companions deep into Africa, where they make their way to the kingdom of K'r, where She awaits them. She has been waiting 2,000 years for the return of the man she once loved, and she believes that Leo is this man. Also try King Solomon’s Mines (1885).
Job: a Comedy of Justice by Robert Heinlein (1984)
On vacation in Polynesia, Alex Hergensheimer experiences a series of world-changes, all of which point to Armageddon and reveal him to be a pawn in the ancient feud between God and Lucifer. Also try Glory Road.
The Summer Tree by Guy Gavriel Kay (1984)
It began with a lecture that introduced five students to a wizard who would change their lives by taking from Earth to the heart of the first of all worlds – Fionavar. In a marvelous land of men and dwarves, of wizards and gods – and of the Unraveller and his minions of Darkness – they discovered who they were truly meant to be. Also try The Wandering Fire (1985).
The Gunslinger by Stephen King (1982)
Roland, the last gunslinger in a world that has “moved on,” tracks an enigmatic Man in Black on his quest toward a forbidding dark tower. The series sees Roland and his companions continuing their journey through imaginative landscapes, over astounding obstacles, and confront a unique cast of characters, both human and nonhuman. Also try the rest of the Dark Tower Series.
Deryini Rising by Katherine Kurtz (1970)
Young Prince Kelson is about to assume the throne after the mysterious death of his father. He must be told of his magical heritage. And to face a challenger for his throne, Kelson must learn a lifetime's worth of magic in a few short days. Also try the rest of the Chronicles of the Deryini.
Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey (1987)
Talia, a young runaway, is made a herald at the royal court after she rescues one of the legendary Companions. When she uncovers a plot to seize the throne, Talia must use her empathic powers to save the queen. Also try the other Valdemar novels.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin (1968)
Born in the realm of Earthsea, Ged is a poor blacksmith's son born with an innate understanding of magic. But after he is sent to Roke Island to study the craft, he lets his arrogance and antipathy for another student lead him into a disastrous mistake – unleashing an evil spirit bent on devouring Ged's essence! Also try the rest of the Earthsea novels.
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey (1969)
Suddenly the deadly silver Thread once again threatened all Pern with destruction. But the mighty telepathic dragons that for centuries had defended Pern were now few in number, not nearly enough to protect the planet in its hour of greatest peril. Also try the rest of the Dragonriders of Pern Series.
The Elric Saga: Elric of Melnibone by Michael Moorcock (1972)
Once a powerful ruler himself, Elric acknowledges no master, but must constantly resist falling thrall to the evil sword Stormbringer with which he has a symbiotic relationship. The blade, a legendary artifact of great power, sustains Elric’s frail body as it devours the souls of those it slays, often in spite of Elric’s efforts to control it. Also try the other novels in the Elric Saga.
Witch World by Andre Norton (1963)
Former secret agent, Simon Tregarth, is a desperate hunted man who is flung from Twentieth Century London into a world filled with high adventure and sorcery, which he turns to for courage and survival. Also try Elvenbane.
The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart (1970)
Born the bastard son of a Welsh princess, Myridden Emrys – or as he would later be known, Merlin – leads a perilous childhood, haunted by portents and visions. But destiny has great plans for this no-man's-son, including helping bring about the conception of Arthur – king for once and always. Also try The Hollow Hills (1973).
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (1937)
Whisked away from his comfortable, unambitious life in his hobbit-hole by Gandalf the wizard and a company of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins finds himself caught up in a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Also try The Lord of the Rings (1954).
The Once and Future King by T.H. White (1958)
Here is the magical epic of King Arthur and his shining Camelot; of Merlin and Owl and Guinevere; of beasts who talk and men who fly, of wizardry and war. It is the book of all things lost and wonderful and sad. Also try The Book of Merlyn (1977).
Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny (1970)
Unable to remember who he is or where he came from, Corwin is amazed to learn that he is one of the sons of Oberon, King of Amber, and is the rightful successor to the crown in a parallel world. For Amber is the one real world, wherein all others, including our own Earth, are but Shadows.
* Classic authors such as Robert Howard, Fritz Leiber, Mervyn Peake, Jack Vance, Gene Wolfe, etc., are available to order, either through our catalog or Inter-Library Loan; please ask us.