Lyonesse [Paperback]

Jack Vance (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Berkley (April 15, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425095959
• ISBN-13: 978-0425095959
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,280,609 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Among the best fantasy books ever written., September 14, 2002

By 

Michael Turner (Euless, TX United States) - See all my reviews

Jack Vance is somewhat of an overlooked gem in the worlds of SF and fantasy. Although his critical reputation is great (and well-deserved), his books always seem to struggle to stay in print, especially his fantasy. Lyonesse is a case in point. It's the first book in a "high fantasy" trilogy about adventures in Atlantis before its descent beneath the waves. It is extraordinarily original and well-written. Plus, if you are someone who reads a great deal of fantasy, there is another bonus - this is one of the few fantasy works of the last half-century which owes no discernable debt to Tolkien - Vance's style and subject matter are entirely his own, and will seem much more fresh than the latest "Middle-Earth" clones from various bestselling authors.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Six Stars For The Trilogy, April 14, 2005

By 

Crystal Lily "Coriolous" (New England, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

The first Vance books I ever read. I remember picking up a paperback copy when I was maybe 15 years old. It started just a tad slow and then took off so fast I consumed the entire book the next day. So I ran to buy the second and third. I got the second but the third was out of print. I searched high and low until a library book sale finally brought me my prize! I have since re-read them and still feel the same way as I did all those years ago. The fact that it remains out of print (the old fashioned paper way) boggles the mind. It really is up there with Lord of the Rings and should share that same spotlight. With a multitude of characters ranging wildly in disposition and morals it keeps you involved. Surging plot lines that are imaginative as well as surprising. If you sould have the good fortune of running across these books in a used book store or library sale you shouldn't hesitate to buy them, they will not disappoint. I hope this was helpful.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars sublime wit, November 3, 2002

By A Customer

I first read Lyonesse as an adolescent and I loved it. As an adult I enjoyed it even more. Vance's wit and command of the language is magnificent. His attention to detail is illuminating without being stifling or bewildering. The characters are believable and, most important to me, likable. I recommend it to anyone.