Posted by Rich Thomas on June 09, 1997 at 14:36:07:
In Reply to: Introductory JHV books posted by Brian McCue on June 09, 1997 at 07:14:07:
: I want to send him a Vance book, but I'm wondering where to start. Years ago, somebody loaned me Lyonesse and I couldn't "get into it"; later, after I had read other Vance books, I retried Lyonnesse and really liked it (of course). So where should I start my classmate?
: Brian McCue
The first JV novel that I read was Araminta Station and I think that this book really highlights JVs beautiful writing style and his eye for flora and fauna which makes all of his planetary creations so interesting. This book also showcases JVs insights into caste structure and social status/graces which he has developed since his earliest writings; Blue World, Big Planet and upto his latest book, NightLamp.
As for short stories. For a Vance tour de force, Dying Earth and Eyes of the Overworld are as good as it gets. For a more eclectic mix of stories, then Dust to Far Suns and Chateau D'If are two excellent starters containing Ullward's Retreat and Abercrombie Station, respectively are two totally opposite examples of the Vance style.
Cheers,
Rich Thomas