A Guide to Fantasy Literature:
Thoughts on Stories of Wonder & Enchantment
by Philip Martin
Crickhollow Books • On sale: June 15, 2009
Original Trade Softcover
160 pages, 6" x 9"
Literary Studies / Fantasy
$16.95 • ISBN-13: 978-1-933987-04-0
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Note: This is a substantially revised edition based on an earlier work, A Writer’s Guide to Fantasy Literature (ISBN 0-87116-195-8), originally published 2002 by The Writer Books (now out of print). This new edition is oriented more broadly to a general audience of readers and writers of fantasy.
A wide-ranging look at the magic of fantasy literature and why it is so popular today – from blockbuster series like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter to stellar examples of fantasy fiction representing diverse styles, from fairy-tale fiction to magical realism, written by practitioners across the ages.
Praise for the original edition (A Writer’s Guide to Fantasy Literature):
“A genuinely valuable book, intelligently assembled and edited.”
— Peter S. Beagle, World Fantasy Award winner
“Rich with insights, thorough and knowledgeable, it’s the best and most reliable guide to a multi-faceted subject. At heart, it’s a work of deep love and understanding of a powerful literary genre.”
— Lloyd Alexander, Newbery Award winner
“The book is really practical and stimulating—unlike many in the field.”
— Joan Aiken, winner of the Guardian Award
A Guide to Fantasy Literature is a wide-ranging look at the magic of fantasy storytelling and why it delights and enchants readers of all ages. The book discusses the nature of the best writing, from tales of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Narnia to many other examples of classic high fantasy, dark fantasy, fairy-tale, magic realism, and adventure-fantasy tales.
The book examines the major building blocks of fantasy fiction, and discusses the purpose and popularity of fantasy literature today. Includes material from interviews and samples of outstanding passages from the writings of the best fantasists, drawing an inclusive picture of a vibrant literary community across the ages.
Philip Martin is a folklorist, award-winning author, and book editor who has worked with award-winning children’s and adult fiction. He has produced audio, photo-documentary, and written studies of cultural heritage, as well as a number of instructional guides for writers, and is series editor of an annual anthology on craft and career for writers, The New Writer’s Handbook. He directs Great Lakes Literary, a consulting firm that helps authors and small organizations get their best work published. He lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For more, visit www.greatlakeslit.com.