A Guide to Fantasy Literature - Thoughts on Stories of Wonder and Enchantment [Paperback]

Philip Martin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2009

A Guide to Fantasy Literature is a wide-ranging, thoughtful 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 Middle-earth and Narnia to many other examples of high fantasy, dark fantasy, fairy-tale fiction, magic realism, and adventure-fantasy tales.

The book also examines the major building blocks of fantasy fiction, and discusses the purpose and popularity of fantasy literature today. Includes material from original interviews and many brief samples of outstanding passages from the writings of the best fantasists, from J.R.R. Tolkien to J.K. Rowling, from C.S. Lewis to Stephen King, drawing an inclusive picture of a vibrant literary community across the ages.

This is a substantially revised version of an earlier work, The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature (2002), now oriented to a general audience of readers, while offering many tips and techniques for writers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A genuinely valuable book, intelligently assembled and edited.'' (Praise for the original edition) --Peter S. Beagle, World Fantasy Award winner

Rich with insights, thorough and knowledgeable. . . . At heart, it's a work of deep love and understanding of a powerful literary genre. (from the original edition) --Lloyd Alexander, Newbery Award winner

About the Author

Philip Martin is a folklorist, award-winning author of books on cultural traditions, and an indie-press book editor of fiction and nonfiction, especially instructional guides for writers. (A previous edition of this book, The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature, sold over 5,000 copies to the book trade.) Previously acquisitions editor for The Writer Books, connected with The Writer magazine, he is currently series editor of an annual anthology on craft and career for writers, The New Writer's Handbook, and directs Great Lakes Literary, a publishing consulting firm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Crickhollow Books (June 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933987049
• ISBN-13: 978-1933987040
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,023,083 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

For my main blog for writers, visit: http://writershandbook.wordpress.com/
For my blog on fantasy literature, visit: http://creepingpastdragons.wordpress.com/

I mostly write about how to become a successful writer (advice on writing skills and career development) and on traditional culture (old-time fiddling, folk art, etc.). I run and can be reached at Great Lakes Literary (http://www.greatlakeslit.com/) where I offer editing, book-doctor, and marketing help for writers and their book projects. I describe myself as a Midwestern guy: neighborly, down-to-earth, patient, practical, results-oriented. Contact me if you need help to write a great book and get published.

I am the series editor of The New Writer's Handbook, an annual anthology of advice for writers to help them improve literary skills and advance their careers. The inaugural 2007 edition won Gold in the 2007 Book of the Year Awards (Careers category), a national competition for the best books by independent presses.

My book on traditional music, Farmhouse Fiddlers: Music & Dance Traditions in the Rural Midwest (1994), won an award from the Council for Wisconsin Writers as the best nonfiction book of the year by a Wisconsin author. Another book, The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature (2002), won widespread praise ("Rich with insights, thorough and knowledgeable, it's the best and most reliable guide to a multi-faceted subject." -- Lloyd Alexander, Newbery Award winner) and is now out in a substantially revised edition, A Guide to Fantasy Literature, for readers of fantasy, along with tips for writers.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for literary collections or those fascinated with the fantasy genre as a whole, October 9, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Guide to Fantasy Literature - Thoughts on Stories of Wonder and Enchantment (Paperback)

Fantasy is perhaps one of the oldest genres of literature. "A Guide to Fantasy Literature: Thoughts on Stories of Wonder & Enchantment" is a scholarly analysis of the fantasy genre as a whole. Outlining the various sub-genres within the genre, discussing the similarities between more modern fantasies such as Harry Potter and more epic fantasies such as Lord of the Rings. The characters, settings, and such are under scrutiny in this intriguing and fascinating discussion of modern fantasy. "A Guide to Fantasy Literature" is a must for literary collections or those fascinated with the fantasy genre as a whole.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction to Fantasy Literature., December 21, 2011

By 

Goat (New Orleans) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Guide to Fantasy Literature - Thoughts on Stories of Wonder and Enchantment (Paperback)

With "A Guide to Fantasy Literature", author, editor, and folklorist Philip Martin has gently restructured his earlier book on the subject, "The Writer's Guide to Fantasy Literature." The earlier treatment is still valuable and worth looking for. This revised edition centers the study of fantasy literature in broader scope for both the long-time dedicated fantasy literature reader, and as well as for the wise reader of non-fantasy who maybe interested in a smart, but not scholarly introduction. Another well done and highly recommend effort by Mr. Martin.