I’ve read several of Tanith Lee’s fantasy novels over the years, but this is the first time I’ve read one of Lee’s short story collections. The Gorgon and Other Beastly Tales (1985) features gorgons, unicorns, shapeshifters, and other strange beasts.
My favorite story is “Sirriamnis” where a loyal slave of a Greek nobleman and his handsome son narrates the story of the purchase of an exotic woman who becomes the lord’s son’s concubine. The slave suspects this exotic woman is more than she appears…and he is very right.
If you’re in the mood for strangeness and plots with twists and surprises, Tanith Lee’s The Gorgon and Other Beastly Tales provides hours of wonder and thrills. GRADE: B+
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- 7 • The Gorgon • (1982) • novelette by Tanith Lee
- 34 • Anna Medea • (1982) • novelette by Tanith Lee
- 53 • Meow • (1981) • short story by Tanith Lee
- 68 • The Hunting of Death: The Unicorn • (1984) • novella by Tanith Lee
- 121 • Magritte’s Secret Agent • (1981) • novelette by Tanith Lee
- 168 • Monkey’s Stagger • (1979) • short story by Tanith Lee
- 185 • Sirriamnis • (1981) • novelette by Tanith Lee
- 222 • Because Our Skins Are Finer • (1981) • short story by Tanith Lee
- 241 • Quatt-Sup • short story by Tanith Lee
- 247 • Draco, Draco • (1984) • novelette by Tanith Lee
- 276 • La Reine Blanche • (1983) • short story by Tanith Lee
I like Tanith Lee. I have read more of her novels than story collections. I have this collection. I was just looking through it a couple of days ago.
Steve, Great Minds think alike! And I like the cover on THE GORGON, too!
I’d say her batting average was better in short fiction, in my incomplete experience. Not to slight THE BIRTHGRAVE, but with a dim memory of at least its first sequel.
Todd, I’ll be reading and reviewing more Tanith Lee short story collections in the months ahead.
Victoria Poyser didn’t get as much attention as some of the artists of her time. I mostly remember her work in GALAXY toward its end, where she was no doubt underpaid.
Todd, I’ve always been a fan of Victoria Poyser and this cover demonstrates her talent.
I am not familiar with Tanith Lee. I don’t read much fantasy at all. This might be a good sampler for me because it has a novella and that could give me an idea of what her longer fiction is like.
Tracy, you will find a spectrum of stories in THE GORGON. I’ll bet you’ll like Tanith Lee and will want to read more of her work!