The Compleat Enchanter [Mass Market Paperback]

L. Sprague de Camp (Author), Fletcher Pratt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 12, 1984

The Mathematics of Magic was probably the greatest discovery of the ages - at least Professor Harold Shea thought so. With the proper equations, he could instantly transport himself back in time to all the wondrous lands of ancient legend. But slips in time were a hazard, and Shea's magic did not always work - at least, not quite as he expected ...This omnibus volume of all of the Magical Misadventures of Harold Shea contains The Incomplete Enchanter, The Wall of Serpents and Castle of Iron

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

SALES POINTS 'Pure extravaganza and pure delight!' The New York Times #10 in the Millennium Fantasy Masterworks series, a library of the most original and influential fantasy ever written 'Whimsey and fantasy mingled with genius. Lighthearted tales that stand the test of time and rank among the best ever told.' Raymond E. Feist 'The book that introduced me to fantasy and the marvellous concept of scientifically rigorous magic -- and a delightful romp with two of fantasy's finest characters, Harold Shea and Doc Chalmers. Worth falling in love with all over again.' Holly Lisle Part of the Fantasy Masterworks series 'A classic ... the purest example ever written [of] the novel of the created world' Baird Searles 'A determined and conscientous attempt to bring a new gravitas to sword and sorcery' The Encyclopedia of Fantasy; 'A rousing tale of swordplay and sorcery, an appealing love story, and a shrewd and subtle commentary on problems of politics, morals, and philosophy ... It will not only grip your attention but also leave you with so much food for thought afterwards that you will want to go back and re-read it' L. Sprague De Camp Set in a brilliantly realised mediaeval world, The Well of the Unicorn is a fine novel that blazed a trail for much of contemporary fantasy --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 420 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey (February 12, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345314352
• ISBN-13: 978-0345314352
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,491,637 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Logic and Humor, January 17, 2010

By 

Randall T. Karle "manic collector" (Palatka, Fl) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Compleat Enchanter (Millennium Fantasy Masterworks S.) (Paperback)

This is a delightful compilation of work by 2 of the giants. De Camp and Pratt were at their best when working together. Both were masters of many disciplines and keyed off each other, creating tales of wild imagination, liberally sprinkled with humor. The beauty of these stories is in the variety of persons that are caught up in them and the sheer logical progression of the ideas. Harold Shea and his friends are pure delight, if a tad naive by today's standards. These characters do what we all do in our imaginations and insert themselves into the myths and stories of history. Sure, these are reprints -- the originals were serials in pulp magazines. I own several editions and reread them every few years. The important thing is not which printing or compilation you read, but that you do read them. While I do usually disapprove of the re printing and retitling of classic fiction, anything that keeps these stories being read by new generations has my approval.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do you like to laugh..., February 28, 2007

By 

Ma Hen (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Compleat Enchanter (Millennium Fantasy Masterworks S.) (Paperback)

Yes, magic works by specific laws, but not always as you expect it to, especially if you, like Harold Shea, are new to the art. Harold trying to hold his own among the Norse Gods... the prison guard with huge, huge nose... Harold's first time on a flying broom... the laughing until your sides ache and tears are running down your face. If I had a criticism of these wonderful novels, it would be that in my opinion, the second and third are not quite as good as the first. But that would be a splitting of hairs that are already quite fine to begin with. These books are simply splendid.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Incompleat Enchanter was better, November 23, 2008

By 

Norman Strojny "retired tech-person" (western desert of Utah) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Compleat Enchanter (Millennium Fantasy Masterworks S.) (Paperback)

"The Compleat Enchanter" is, roughly, the same as "The Incompleat Enchanter" with an added story that I do not like as much as the other material. If you read one, there is little reason to read the other. Oh well, I read both.