Gene Wolfe

[VonWeiner]

I posted this topic in the Q&A section without thinking of putting it here. I really like Gene Wolfe's books. Mr. M has said he had the pleasure of publishing his first work back in the sixties.

I loved the Book of the New Sun series, but I haven't heard anyone mention his Soldier of the Mist books - except me :). I'm a greek history buff and thought they were wonderful (the stories take place in hellenic Greece)

Anyone else read them and if so did you like them?

[Anonymous]

After reading your fascination with Greek history novels and the like, have you tried any of Steven Pressfield's Ancient /greek books( Tides of War, Gates of Fire or Amazon) all of which are splendid books. Also Massimo Manfredi's Spartan book is excellent. (Though I wouldn't suggest reading any of his Roman or Alexander books as the translation is atrocious.)

[VonWeiner]

No I haven't read them but will look for them. Thanks.

I read alot of the boring stuff - Aeschylus, Sophocles, Plato, Aristophanes, Terrence, Homer, Seneca, Tacitus and many other dead guys! I have always been facinated by the reading. Thousands of years old but still compelling. I even like the "historical" writing (Tacitus, Thucydides, etc...). I am a true geek.

I just loved how Wolfe used peole and places from the time in slang form. Sparta was called Rope; Athens, Thought; Thermopoli, the Hot Gates; Xerxes, The Great King. The characters used these terms very casually, as if they wouldn't be refered to in any other way. For me that was great.

My father had me go to school to get a degree and make money, but I just studied the things I liked (classics) and got an English degree. Those are not much use here (USA) unless you teach and even then its doesn't pay much (says alot about the state of education here). That was some time ago, now I am a programmer. Go figure. I still have a library of books though. It grows constantly.

Ah well, we all start with our heads in the clouds and age brings us back down eh.

[Anonymous]

Its a sad and lonely truth. Dorry I haven't replied for some time! I forgot I'd posted anything. Sorry!

[Grey Mouser]

I read and enjoyed The Books of the New Sun and actively sought them out as they were first appearing. I have a copy of the Gates of Fire by the much praised Mr Pressfield and can recommend it. Although my own reading of it stalled recently at chapter 11 I shall return soon. It's very grimly realistic.

[ThanosShadowsage]

Urth!

Aye, I loved The New Sun series and have seen and almost purchased The Soldier of the Mist several times. I've finally concluded that next time I see it, it's mine.

Also, Grey - I love your avatar (Obviously from the Urth series). Been meaning to tell you that.

Thanos

[MJR]

Thanks for the recommendation! I picked up a copy of the the New Sun Series, and am looking forward to reading it.

I've found some great reading material suggested throughout the site. Keep 'em coming!