The best of Michael Moorcock was published in fourteen-volumes by White Wolf Press over a decade ago. This anthology of Moorcock’s short stories is representative of his work over 40 years. It begins with a short work featuring Moorcock’s most famous character: Elric, the wielder of the magic sword, Stormbringer. There’s a Jerry Cornelius story. Moorcock’s Nebula Award winner, “Behold the Man,” is included. If you haven’t read Michael Moorcock, this volume would be a good place to start. If you’re a fan of Moorcock, you’ll want this book because it includes several obscure pieces reprinted here for the first time. Tachyon Press’s packaging is first-rate. GRADE: A
I’m afraid we disagree here, George. I first tried Moorcock’s Elric books in the early 1970s, and was disappointed in them. Hoping for heroic fantasy, instead I found confusing politics and self-involved men and women primping in ivory towers. I didn’t even like the jacket art. I read two of the novels before I gave it up as a bad go, then later tried some of the short stories and found them to be boring and obvious.
I guess we can’t agree on everything, and obviously Moorcock is one of those things. This will be a treat for Moorcock fans, but to new readers, I suggest trying something from the library before spending your money on this or any of his work.
Moorcock has written sooooo much, there’s something for everyone to dislike. I’m not a big fan of his Jerry Cornelius stuff. My son loves the Hawkmoon books. The Eternal Champion series will probably be Moorcock’s legacy.
People either tend to love Elric or to hate him.
I repeatedly try this sort of book and fail; I think you have to start reading them as a teenager or you never get carried away by it.
Patti, you’re probably right about this. I started reading Moorcock’s sword & sorcery stuff as a teenager and still think his early stuff has a “sense of wonder.”