Out Now: New Russian LORD OF LIGHT and CREATURES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS Omnibus


Roger Zelazny‘s classic novels LORD OF LIGHT and CREATURES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS are now available in Russia, collected in a new omnibus edition! Published by Fanzon/Эксмо, as КНЯЗЬ СВЕТА and ПОРОЖДЕНИЯ СВЕТА И ТЬМЬI, here’s the synopsis…

Роджер Желязны в своем мастерском повествовании вдыхает новую жизнь в мифологию Индии и Египта, оживляя своим воображением древних богов и демонов.

Два знаменитых романа Роджера Желязны. Шедевры «новой волны» научной фантастики, полные поэзии и глубокого уважения к мифологии.

«Князь света»

Возможно, это случилось после гибели Земли. На далекой планете-колонии у власти оказалась группа людей, которые, используя достижения науки, достигли бессмертия и стали править своим миром под личинами богов индуистского пантеона. И лишь один человек осмеливается противостоять им – тот, кто когда-то был Князем Света.

«Порождения Света и Тьмы»

Далекое будущее или далекое прошлое. Боги Древнего Египта правят освоенным человечеством космосом. Анубис, Повелитель Мертвых, и Осирис из Дома Жизни забывают свою извечную вражду, когда появляется угроза не только мирам, но и их собственному существованию.

LORD OF LIGHT, first published in 1967, is available in the UK, published by Gollancz as part of their SF Masterworks series. It won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1968, and was also nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Imagine a distant world where gods walk as men, but wield vast and hidden powers. Here they have made the stage on which they build a subtle pattern of alliance, love, and deadly enmity. Are they truly immortal? Who are these gods who rule the destiny of a teeming world?

Their names include Brahma, Kali, Krishna and also he who was called Buddha, the Lord of Light, but who now prefers to be known simply as Sam. The gradual unfolding of the story – how the colonization of another planet became a re-enactment of Eastern mythology – is one of the great imaginative feats of modern science fiction.

The highly-acclaimed CREATURES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS was originally published in 1969. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

In the House of the Dead he has been given a name. That name is Wakim, but Wakim knows that this name is not his true name not the name that he carried with him in life. Wakim has been commanded by his master Anubus to find and destroy The Prince Who Was A Thousand. Wakim leaves the House of the Dead intent on carrying out his mission to destroy The Prince Who Was A Thousand, but he has a second, personal mission…to find his true name. And if he does Wakim cannot even imagine how that will change everything…

Roger Zelazny’s ISLE OF THE DEAD Now Available in Ukraine!


A new Ukrainian edition of Roger Zelazny‘s ISLE OF THE DEAD is now available! Published by Bohdan (Богдан) as Острів мертвих, it was translated by Denys Dömin (Денис Дьомін). The cover is by Oleg Kinal (Олег Кіналь). Here’s the synopsis…

Всесвіт тридцять другого століття великий, густонаселений і складний. Людині, що народилася понад тисячу років тому, адаптуватися в ньому важко, але можливо. Це довів Френсіс Сендоу, єдиним серед землян опанувавши високооплачуваний рідкісний фах однієї древньої раси. Але мало кому вдається стати казково багатим й успішним, не наживши небезпечних ворогів. Отримавши дивні, бентежні звістки з минулого (ба навіть із того світу), Сендоу покидає зону комфорту й мусить з’ясовувати, хто проти нього замислив лихе. Доводиться, як і колись, порадитися з мудрим наставником, зустрітися з давніми друзями й недругами, пригадати старе кохання (ще й не одне) і розв’язати моральні дилеми. А зрештою опинитися на зловісному Острові мертвих, де має відбутися чи не ритуальний двобій з могутнім несподіваним суперником. Помста і смерть, дружба й любов, технології і чудеса — це історія богорівного чоловіка, що таки залишився людиною.

First published in 1969, here’s the English-language synopsis for the Nebula Award-nominated book…

Centuries in the future, Francis Sandow is the only man alive who was born as long ago as the 20th century. His body is kept young and in perfect health by advanced scientific methods; he has amassed such a fortune that he can own entire planets; and he has become a god. No, not a god of Earth, but one of the panetheon of the alien Pei’ans: he is Shimbo of Darktree, Shrugger of Thunders. Yet he doesn’t believe that his personality has merged with the ancient consciousness of Shimbo, that he really can call down the skies upon his enemies. The time comes, however, when Francis Sandow must use these powers against the most dangerous antagonist in the universe: another Pei’an god — Shimbo’s own enemy, Belion. And Belion has no doubt whatever of his own powers…

ICYMI: Turkish Edition of Roger Zelazny’s ROADMARKS is Out Now!


In case you missed it, there’s a new Turkish edition of Roger Zelazny‘s ROADMARKS, one of the author’s classic science fiction novels! Published by İthaki Yayınları, as YOL İŞARETLERİ, it was translated by Taylan Taftaf. Here’s the synopsis…

“YOL, ZAMAN BOYUNCA İLERLİYOR. GEÇMİŞ ZAMAN. GELECEK ZAMAN. GEÇMİŞTE YAŞANMIŞ OLABİLECEK ZAMAN.”

Roger Zelazny, farklı mitolojileri bilimkurgu romanlarına uyarlamasıyla pek çok yazarın yalnızca hayal edebildiği bir şeyi alışkanlık hâline getirmiş eşsiz bir yazar. Yol İşaretleri ise kısmen fantastik öğeler içeren deneysel bir bilimkurgu romanı.

Red Dorakeen, kendisinin de bir başkasının da hatırlayamayacağı kadar uzun zamandır Yol’daydı. Çok uzun zaman önce yaşlı bir adam olarak Yol’da yürümüştü. Şimdi ise çok daha gençti. Mavi renkli hurda Dodge pikabıyla antik dönem Maraton’unda istilacı Perslerle savaşan Yunanlara silah taşıyor, yolda Hitler’le ve de Sade’la tartışmalara giriyor, zamanda bir ileri bir geri durmaksızın yolculuk ediyordu.

Şimdiyse biri Red’i öldürmek için on girişimin düzenleneceğine dair Yol’u yöneten yasalara göre resmi bir beyanda bulunmuştu. Gizli düşmanı, (çok tehlikeli bir keşişten bir Tiranozor’a kadar uzanan çeşitlilikte, insan veya diğer türlerde) suikastçılar tutmak için geçmişi ve geleceği tarıyordu. Red’in peşini bırakmayacaklardı, Yol onu nereye götürürse götürsün.

Yol İşaretleri, zamanlar arası bir kendini keşif yolculuğu.

ROADMARKS is also available in the UK, published by Gollancz as part of their SF Masterworks series. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

The Road can go Anywhere.

The Road can go Anywhen.

Almost.

Red Dorakeen has been on the Road for a very long time. For all of time, in fact. It stretches infinitely into the future and past, with exits that take him wherever, or whenever, he wants to go.

But he can’t find the place he wants to be.

He’s not the only one who can travel the Road, and as people join and leave, they can alter the past, or the future, to suit their whims. Exits close off, become overgrown, and working out what to change back to return to old timelines could take, well… forever.

Fortunately, Red has all the time he could ever need.

Roadmarks is a fantastically mind-bending novel from one of SFF’s most influential authors. It weaves together linear and non-linear narratives in a compelling tale full of mystery and magic.

DIE CHRONIKEN VON AMBER Audiobook Out Now in Germany!


There’s a new Chronicles of Amber omnibus audiobook edition available in Germany! Published by DAV, it collects the first five novels in Roger Zelazny‘s classic, beloved fantasy series. The audiobook is narrated by Stefan Kaminski. Here’s the synopsis for DIE CHRONIKEN VON AMBER

In der Welt, die Roger Zelaznys Bestsellerreihe zugrunde liegt, herrscht Chaos. Den einzigen Fluchtpunkt der dunklen Unendlichkeit stellt Amber dar, eine mittelalterliche Stadt, die als »wirkliche Stadt« des Universums gilt. Um dieses Zentrum herum konstituieren sich Nachbildungen von Amber als Schattenwelten, die, je ferner von der wahren Stadt entfernt, frei von physikalischen Gesetzen sind. Nur der mächtigen Königsfamilie um Herrscher Oberon ist es möglich, die verschiedenen Realitäten der Schattenwelten zu manipulieren – zu denen auch die Erde gehört. »Die Chroniken von Amber« sind ein Meilenstein der Literaturgeschichte und machen Roger Zelazny zu einem der einflussreichsten Fantasy-Autoren des zwanzigsten Jahrhunderts. Nach der erfolgreichen Neuauflage der Buchreihe, sind nun auch die Hörbücher zu den ersten fünf Bänden, dem »Corwin-Zyklus«, als ungekürzte Lesungen bei DAV erhältlich.

Band 1: »Die neun Prinzen«

Corwin erwacht in einer dubiosen Privatklinik und kann sich weder vergangener Ereignisse, noch seiner eigenen Identität entsinnen. Nach und nach findet er heraus: Sein Bruder Eric hat ihn in die Schattenwelt verbannt. Denn Corwin ist Teil der Königsfamilie von Amber – und damit in einen unerbittlichen Machtkampf um den Königsthron verstrickt.

Band 2: »Die Gewehre von Avalon«

Corwin bricht aus der Gefangenschaft seines Bruders aus und kehrt erneut zurück zur Erde. Dort lässt er Waffen fertigen und schart Truppen um sich, mit deren Hilfe er Eric endlich vom Thron stürzen will. Doch als er mit seiner Armee die Schattenwelten durchquert, muss er herausfinden, dass grausame Kreaturen ganz Amber zu vernichten drohen…

Band 3: »Im Zeichen des Einhorns«

Nach einem erfolgreichen Kampf ist Corwin Herrscher von Amber. Doch als sein Bruder Cain ermordet wird, weisen alle Zeichen auf Corwin als Täter – bis er kurz darauf selbst Opfer eines perfiden Anschlags wird. Wer steckt wirklich hinter den grausamen Verbrechen?

Band 4: »Die Hand Oberons«

»Das Muster« ist ein Labyrinth, das den Prinzen Ambers die Kraft verleiht, durch die Schattenwelten zu reisen. Wer es betritt, muss das Muster bis zu seinem Zentrum beschreiten – sonst droht ein grausamer Tod. Doch als die Prinzen diesmal dorthin zurückkehren, müssen sie feststellen, dass das Muster beschädigt ist. Corwins Bruder Brand steckt dahinter und will das Muster zerstören, aber das hätte fatale Folgen.

Band 5: »Die Burgen des Chaos«

Das Vernichten des Musters bedeutet das Ende von Amber – und mit ihm das Ende aller Schattenwelten, wie auch der Erde. Corwin will seinen Bruder aufhalten und eine Kopie des Labyrinths anfertigen – ein Vorhaben, das in einem finalen Kampf der beiden Brüder endet, welcher über das Schicksal Ambers entscheiden wird…

The first five novels are also available in print and digital, published by Die Hobbit Presse, an imprint of Klett-Cotta. The novels are also available in a Gold Edition collected eBook. The series was translated into Germany by Thomas Schlück.

The Chronicles of Amber series is available in the UK, published by Gollancz as part of their SF Masterworks series; the ten novels are collected into two omnibus editions. Here’s the English-language synopsis for the first collection (which also includes books 1-5)…

Amber is the one real world, casting infinite reflections of itself – Shadow worlds, that can be manipulated by those of royal Amberite blood. But the royal family is torn apart by jealousies and suspicion; the disappearance of the Patriarch Oberon has intensified the internal conflict by leaving the throne apparently up for grabs.

In a hospital on the Shadow Earth, a young man is recovering from a freak car accident; amnesia has robbed him of all his memory, even the fact that he is Corwin, Crown Prince of Amber, rightful heir to the throne – and he is in deadly peril…

The five books, Nine Princes in Amber, The Guns of Avalon, Sign of the Unicorn, The Hand of Oberon and The Courts of Chaos, together make up The Chronicles of Amber, Roger Zelazny’s finest work of fantasy and an undisputed classic of the genre.

THE COLLECTED STORIES OF ROGER ZELAZNY Out Now!


New editions of The Collected Stories of Roger Zelazny are out now! A fascinating, superb collection of Roger Zelazny‘s short and longer fiction, the six volumes are published by NESFA.

The stories in this series are enriched by editors’ notes and Zelazny’s own words, taken from his many essays, describing why he wrote the stories and what he thought about them in retrospect.

Here are the titles and synopses for each volume (full tables of contents are available on NESFA’s website)…

Volume 1: THRESHOLD

The first in a six-volume series, Volume 1: Threshold contains all of Zelazny’s short works from his early years through the mid 1960s — a period of experimentation and growth that flowered into gems such as “A Rose for Ecclesiastes,” “The Graveyard Heart,” “The Doors of His Face, the Lamps of His Mouth,” and “He Who Shapes.”

Volume 2: POWER & LIGHT

The second in a six-volume series, Volume 2: Power & Light covers the mid 1960s, Zelazny’s most prolific period, where he continued to incorporate mainstream literary qualities and added a wealth of mythological elements into powerful stories such as “The Furies,” “For a Breath I Tarry,” “This Moment of the Storm,” “Comes Now the Power,” “Auto-Da-Fé,” and the Hugo-winning novel …And Call Me Conrad.

Volume 3: THIS MORTAL MOUNTAIN

The third in a six-volume series, Volume 3: This Mortal Mountain contains Zelazny’s short works from the late 1960s and early 1970s, Zelazny’s breadth of interests developed into a variety of styles displayed in such rich stories as “This Mortal Mountain,” “The Steel General,” “Damnation Alley,” “The Man Who Loved the Faioli,” and the Hugo and Nebula-nominated “The Engine at Heartspring’s Center”.

Volume 4: LAST EXIT TO BABYLON

The fourth in a six-volume series, Volume 4: Last Exit to Babylon contains Zelazny’s short works from the late 1970s and early 1980s when Zelazny’s popularity opened new markets for his work. He continued to produce highly-crafted stories, such as the popular “The Last Defender of Camelot,” the Hugo-winning “Unicorn Variation,” and the Hugo and Nebula-winning “Home is the Hangman.”

Volume 5: NINE BLACK DOVES

The fifth in a six-volume series, Volume 5: Nine Black Doves contains Zelazny’s short works from the 1980s, when Zelazny’s mature craft produced the Hugo-winning and Nebula-nominated stories, “24 Views of Mt. Fuji, by Hokusai” and “Permafrost,” and other entertaining stories such as “Kalifriki of the Thread,” “Dilvish, the Damned,” and his first two Wild Cards stories about Croyd Crenson, “The Sleeper” and “Ashes to Ashes.”

Volume 6: THE ROAD TO AMBER

The last in a six-volume series Volume 6: The Road To Amber, the last in the series, covers the final five years of Zelazny’s career in the early 1990s, when he reached for new ideas and continued familiar themes with stories such as “Godson” and “Godson: A Play in Three Acts,” two more Wild Cards stories (“Concerto for Siren and Serotonin” and “The Long Sleep”), and a linked sequence of five Amber stories leading to planned but unwritten Amber novels.

Roger Zelazny’s Chronicles of Amber novels area avilable now in the UK, published in two volumes as part of Gollancz‘s SF Masterworks series.

THE BEST OF ROGER ZELAZNY Out Now!


Today, Gollancz publishes a new collection of Roger Zelazny‘s short fiction, THE BEST OF ROGER ZELAZNY! Widely known for his multi-award-winning novels and series, this is a great opportunity for readers — old and new alike — to try his short fiction. The collection is published as part of Gollancz’s SF Masterworks series.

Here’s the synopsis…

From the far reaches of space to the hidden corners of Earth, from aliens to wizards and everything in between…

One of the most influential SFF writers of modern times, Roger Zelazny wrote across a wide range of subgenres and themes, experimenting with form and story with mastery. He won many awards throughout his lifetime, including six Hugo awards, three Nebula awards and two Locus awards. He has inspired many of today’s great SFF authors.

This new collection contains a selection of his short stories and novellas which span the depth and breadth of the human imagination.

As part of the SF Masterworks series, Gollancz also publishes Zelanzy’s Chronicles of Amber series (in two omnibus editions) and the stand-alone novels ROADMARKS and LORD OF LIGHT.

New Russian Edition of A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER


In time for Halloween, there’s a new Russian edition of Roger Zelazny‘s acclaimed and fan-favourite A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER! Hailed by Neil Gaiman as ‘one of Zelazny’s finest books’, Ночь в тоскливом октябре is published by Эксмо, and here’s the synopsis…

Добро пожаловать в Лондон конца XIX века! Под покровом тумана этого промозглого октября сойдутся в Великой Игре известнейшие персоны своего времени, а также их питомцы-помощники. Великий сыщик, граф, пробуждающийся по ночам, таинственный учёный и его создание — игроки не афишируют своих имён, но вы наверняка узнаете их без труда. А наградой победителю станет возможность изменить весь существующий мир…

Переиздание классического романа Грандмастера фэнтези в трендовом оформлении.

The novel is also available in the UK, published by Farrago Books, and has been published and translated widely around the world. Here are just a few of the international editions’ covers…

Here’s the English-language synopsis…

All is not what it seems…

In the murky London gloom, a knife-wielding gentleman named Jack prowls the midnight streets with his faithful watchdog Snuff – gathering together the grisly ingredients they will need for an ancient and unearthly rite. For soon after the death of the moon, black magic will summon the Elder Gods back into the world. And all manner of Players, both human and undead, are preparing to participate.

Some have come to open the gates. Some have come to slam them shut. And now the dread night approaches – so let the Game begin.

Finally, here are just a handful of the great reviews the novel has received…

‘One of Zelazny’s most delightful books: Jack the Ripper’s dog Snuff narrates a mad game of teams to cause or prevent armageddon.’ — Neil Gaiman

‘The last great novel by one of the giants of the genre.’ — George R.R. Martin

‘A madcap blend of horror tropes and fantasy… There aren’t many authors who would set out to write a novel in which the Wolfman and Jack the Ripper were the two heroes… And I’m not sure anyone else could have made it work.’ — Science Fiction Chronicle

‘Sparkling, witty, delightful. Zelazny’s best for ages, perhaps his best ever.’ — Kirkus Reviews

‘A cheerful, witty, well-crafted fantasy… Its deft, understated good humor and spare, poetic prose reaffirm Zelazny as one of fantasy’s most skilled practitioners.’ — Publishers Weekly

30th Anniversary Edition of A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER Out This Week!


This week marks the 30th anniversary of Roger Zelazny‘s classic, beloved Halloween fantasy novel, A NIGHT IN THE LONESOME OCTOBER. To mark the occasion, Farrago Books are publishing a new edition in the UK — specifically, due out on September 14th. Here’s the synopsis…

All is not what it seems.

In the murky London gloom, a knife-wielding gentleman named Jack prowls the midnight streets with his faithful watchdog Snuff – gathering together the grisly ingredients they will need for an upcoming ancient and unearthly rite. For soon after the death of the moon, black magic will summon the Elder Gods back into the world. And all manner of Players, both human and undead, are preparing to participate.

Some have come to open the gates. Some have come to slam them shut. And now the dread night approaches – so let the Game begin.

Here are just a few of the great reviews the novel has received…

‘One of Zelazny’s most delightful books: Jack the Ripper’s dog Snuff narrates a mad game of teams to cause or prevent armageddon.’Neil Gaiman

‘The last great novel by one of the giants of the genre.’George R.R. Martin

‘A madcap blend of horror tropes and fantasy… There aren’t many authors who would set out to write a novel in which the Wolfman and Jack the Ripper were the two heroes… And I’m not sure anyone else could have made it work.’Science Fiction Chronicle

‘Sparkling, witty, delightful. Zelazny’s best for ages, perhaps his best ever.’Kirkus Reviews

‘A cheerful, witty, well-crafted fantasy… Its deft, understated good humor and spare, poetic prose reaffirm Zelazny as one of fantasy’s most skilled practitioners.’Publishers Weekly

Farrago also publishes a UK edition of DOORWAYS IN THE SAND.

Roger Zelazny’s HERR DES LICHTS Out Now!


Roger Zelazny‘s LORD OF LIGHT is available in a new German edition! Published today by Piper Verlag, as HERR DES LICHTS, here’s the synopsis…

Roger Zelazny war einer der einflussreichsten Autoren der Science-Fiction, der viele bedeutende Autoren wie George R. R. Martin und Neil Gaiman geprägt hat. Für seine Werke gewann er zahlreiche Preise, darunter den Hugo Award für „Herr des Lichts“. Nun ist das Meisterwerk endlich wieder auf Deutsch verfügbar – in einer neu überarbeiteten, hochwertigen Ausgabe mit einem Nachwort von George R. R. Martin.

In diesem Roman ist die Erde schon lange verlassen. Auf einem Kolonieplaneten hat eine Gruppe Siedler eine Reinkarnationstechnologie erfunden, mit deren Hilfe sie als gottgleiche Wesen eine tyrannische Herrschaft aufgebaut haben. Als Vorbild dient ihnen das hinduistische Götterpantheon. Nur einer wagt es, sich ihnen entgegenzustellen: Mahasamatman, genannt „Sam“. Der Herr des Lichts.

The Hugo Award-winning novel is available in the UK, published as part of Gollancz‘s SF Masterworks series. George R.R. Martin has said that LORD OF LIGHT is ‘One of the five best SF novels ever written.’ Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Imagine a distant world where gods walk as men, but wield vast and hidden powers. Here they have made the stage on which they build a subtle pattern of alliance, love, and deadly enmity. Are they truly immortal? Who are these gods who rule the destiny of a teeming world?

Their names include Brahma, Kali, Krishna and also he who was called Buddha, the Lord of Light, but who now prefers to be known simply as Sam. The gradual unfolding of the story – how the colonization of another planet became a re-enactment of Eastern mythology – is one of the great imaginative feats of modern science fiction.

Coming Soon: THE BEST OF ROGER ZELAZNY SF Masterworks Edition!


On October 26th, Gollancz are due to publish THE BEST OF ROGER ZELAZNY, a new collection of Roger Zelazny‘s short fiction, as part of their SF Masterworks series!

From the far reaches of space to the hidden corners of Earth, from aliens to wizards and everything in between…

One of the most influential SFF writers of modern times, Roger Zelazny wrote across a wide range of subgenres and themes, experimenting with form and story with mastery. He won many awards throughout his lifetime, including six Hugo awards, three Nebula awards and two Locus awards. He has inspired many of today’s great SFF authors.

This new collection contains a selection of his short stories and novellas which span the depth and breadth of the human imagination.

A must read for fans of the author, but also a great introduction to the scope and breadth of his imagination.

Gollancz also publishes Zelazny’s acclaimed fantasy classic Chronicles of Amber series; and the stand-alone novels ROADMARKS and LORD OF LIGHT — all out now, published as SF Masterworks.

New Edition of Roger Zelazny’s HERR DES LICHTS Out Next Month!


A new German edition of Roger Zelazny‘s LORD OF LIGHT is due out in one month! To be published on August 31st by Piper Verlag, as HERR DES LICHTS, here’s the synopsis…

Roger Zelazny war einer der einflussreichsten Autoren der Science-Fiction, der viele bedeutende Autoren wie George R. R. Martin und Neil Gaiman geprägt hat. Für seine Werke gewann er zahlreiche Preise, darunter den Hugo Award für „Herr des Lichts“. Nun ist das Meisterwerk endlich wieder auf Deutsch verfügbar – in einer neu überarbeiteten, hochwertigen Ausgabe mit einem Nachwort von George R. R. Martin.

In diesem Roman ist die Erde schon lange verlassen. Auf einem Kolonieplaneten hat eine Gruppe Siedler eine Reinkarnationstechnologie erfunden, mit deren Hilfe sie als gottgleiche Wesen eine tyrannische Herrschaft aufgebaut haben. Als Vorbild dient ihnen das hinduistische Götterpantheon. Nur einer wagt es, sich ihnen entgegenzustellen: Mahasamatman, genannt „Sam“. Der Herr des Lichts.

The Hugo Award-winning novel is available in the UK, published as part of Gollancz‘s SF Masterworks series. George R.R. Martin has said that LORD OF LIGHT is ‘One of the five best SF novels ever written.’ Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Imagine a distant world where gods walk as men, but wield vast and hidden powers. Here they have made the stage on which they build a subtle pattern of alliance, love, and deadly enmity. Are they truly immortal? Who are these gods who rule the destiny of a teeming world?

Their names include Brahma, Kali, Krishna and also he who was called Buddha, the Lord of Light, but who now prefers to be known simply as Sam. The gradual unfolding of the story – how the colonization of another planet became a re-enactment of Eastern mythology – is one of the great imaginative feats of modern science fiction.

Korean Edition of Roger Zelazny’s FOR A BREATH I TARRY Out Now!


A new, Korean edition of Roger Zelazny‘s FOR A BREATH I TARRY is out now! Published by 데이원 (Day One Press) as 프로스트와 베타, it’s translated by 조호근 (Jo Ho-geun). Here’s the synopsis…

휴고상 여섯 번, 네뷸러상 세 번을 수상한 뉴웨이브 SF의 거장 로저 젤라즈니.

150편이 넘는 그의 단편 중 백미라 불리는 <프로스트와 베타>가 돌아왔다.

작가인 로저 젤라즈니가 가장 아끼는 작품 중 하나라고 언급한 <프로스트와 베타>는 1967년에 휴고상 최우수 소설상 후보에 올랐으며 출간 후 50년이 지난 현대에 이르러서도 꾸준히 사랑받고 있는 작품이다.

인간이 모두 자취를 감춘 황폐한 세상, 지구에는 인간이 만든 기계들이 남아 목적을 잃은 재건 작업을 끊임없이 수행하고 있다. 지구의 북반구를 관장하는 기묘한 피조물 프로스트는 우연한 계기로 인간이라는 존재에 흥미를 갖게 되며 자신이 노력하면 인간이 될 수 있을 거라고 믿는다. 그는 지구에서 가장 능률적이고 논리적인 존재이기에. 그러나 모르델이라는 또 다른 기계는 비인간이 인간이 되는 건 불가능하다고 주장한다. 이에 프로스트는 큰 대가를 걸고 모르델과 내기를 하게 되고, 인간으로 거듭나기 위한 지난한 탐구의 시간을 보낸다.

인간성이란 터득할 수 있는 특성일까? 무엇이 인간을 가장 인간답게 만드는 것일까? 인간과 인공지능의 경계가 희미해지고 있는 오늘날, 1960년대에 쓰인 이 아름다운 소설은 인간성에 대한 깊은 사유라는 과제를 우리에게 던진다.

First published in 1966, here’s the English-language synopsis…

Taking place long after the self-extinction of Man, “For a Breath I Tarry” recounts the tale of Frost, a sentient machine (“…a silver-blue box, 40x40x40 feet,… featured in whatever manner he chose.”) Though Man has disappeared, his robotic creations (and their creations in turn) continue to function.

Along the way, the story explores the differences between Man and Machine, the former experiencing the world qualitatively, while the latter do so quantitatively. “A machine is a Man turned inside-out, because it can describe all the details of a process, which a Man cannot, but it cannot experience that process itself as a Man can.”

Roger Zelazny’s FOR A BREATH I TARRY Out Next Week in South Korea!


A new, Korean edition of Roger Zelazny‘s FOR A BREATH I TARRY is out next week! Due to be published by 데이원 (Day One Press) on July 7th, as 프로스트와 베타, it’s translated by 조호근 (Jo Ho-geun). Here’s the synopsis…

휴고상 여섯 번, 네뷸러상 세 번을 수상한 뉴웨이브 SF의 거장 로저 젤라즈니.

150편이 넘는 그의 단편 중 백미라 불리는 <프로스트와 베타>가 돌아왔다.

작가인 로저 젤라즈니가 가장 아끼는 작품 중 하나라고 언급한 <프로스트와 베타>는 1967년에 휴고상 최우수 소설상 후보에 올랐으며 출간 후 50년이 지난 현대에 이르러서도 꾸준히 사랑받고 있는 작품이다.

인간이 모두 자취를 감춘 황폐한 세상, 지구에는 인간이 만든 기계들이 남아 목적을 잃은 재건 작업을 끊임없이 수행하고 있다. 지구의 북반구를 관장하는 기묘한 피조물 프로스트는 우연한 계기로 인간이라는 존재에 흥미를 갖게 되며 자신이 노력하면 인간이 될 수 있을 거라고 믿는다. 그는 지구에서 가장 능률적이고 논리적인 존재이기에. 그러나 모르델이라는 또 다른 기계는 비인간이 인간이 되는 건 불가능하다고 주장한다. 이에 프로스트는 큰 대가를 걸고 모르델과 내기를 하게 되고, 인간으로 거듭나기 위한 지난한 탐구의 시간을 보낸다.

인간성이란 터득할 수 있는 특성일까? 무엇이 인간을 가장 인간답게 만드는 것일까? 인간과 인공지능의 경계가 희미해지고 있는 오늘날, 1960년대에 쓰인 이 아름다운 소설은 인간성에 대한 깊은 사유라는 과제를 우리에게 던진다.

First published in 1966, here’s the English-language synopsis…

Taking place long after the self-extinction of Man, “For a Breath I Tarry” recounts the tale of Frost, a sentient machine (“…a silver-blue box, 40x40x40 feet,… featured in whatever manner he chose.”) Though Man has disappeared, his robotic creations (and their creations in turn) continue to function.

Along the way, the story explores the differences between Man and Machine, the former experiencing the world qualitatively, while the latter do so quantitatively. “A machine is a Man turned inside-out, because it can describe all the details of a process, which a Man cannot, but it cannot experience that process itself as a Man can.”

Roger Zelazny’s THE DOORS OF HIS FACE, THE LAMPS OF HIS MOUTH Out Now in Estonia!


There’s a new Estonian edition of Roger Zelazny‘s short story collection THE DOORS OF HIS FACE, THE LAMPS OF HIS MOUTH! Published by Kirjastus Fantaasia as TEMA SILMNÄO VÄRAVAD, TEMA SUU PÕLEVAD TÕRVIKUD. Here’s the synopsis…

Roger Zelazny jutukogumik sisaldab viitteist lugu tema loomeperioodi algusest kuni aastani 1971. Siin on nii pikemaid, lühiromaani mõõdus lugusid (nagu näiteks 1965. aastal lühiromaani kategoorias Nebula võitnud nimilugu) kui napilt üle ühe lehekülje pikkuseid laaste. Autor on tuntud oma oskuste poolest töödelda müüte ja asetada need kuhugi tulevikku või määratlematu asukohaga maailma, lisada neile midagi uut ja jutustada oma lugu nii, et see ka tänapäeva inimesele korda läheb. Näiteks leviaatani söödaks sattunud mehe lugu, või maailma kõrgeima mäe tipu vallutuse lugu, kus mägi tundub elus olevat ja ronijaid millegipärast tappa püüab, ja see tipp ei asu Maal.

The Estonian edition is translated by Juhan Habicht, Andrus Igalaan, Sash Veelma, Piret Frey and Arvi Nikkarev. The cover is by Liis Roden.

The titular story won the 1966 Nebula Award, and was also nominated for the Hugo Award. Here’s the English-language synopsis…

Here are strange, beautiful stories covering the full spectrum of the late Roger Zelazny’s remarkable talents. In Doors of His Face, The Lamps of His Mouth, Zelazny’s rare ability to mix the dream-like, disturbing imagery of fantasy with the real-life hardware of science fiction is on full display. His vivid imagination and fine prose made him one of the most highly acclaimed writers in his field.
Contents:
· The Doors of His Face, the Lamps of His Mouth · nv F&SF Mar ’65
· The Keys to December · nv New Worlds Aug ’66
· Devil Car [Sam Nurdock] · ss Galaxy Jun ’65
· A Rose for Ecclesiastes · nv F&SF Nov ’63
· The Monster and the Maiden · vi Galaxy Dec ’64
· Collector’s Fever · vi Galaxy Jun ’64
· This Mortal Mountain · nv If Mar ’67
· This Moment of the Storm · nv F&SF Jun ’66
· The Great Slow Kings · ss Worlds of Tomorrow Dec ’63
· A Museum Piece · ss Fantastic Jun ’63
· Divine Madness · ss Magazine of Horror Sum ’66
· Corrida · ss Anubis v1 #3 ’68
· Love Is an Imaginary Number · ss New Worlds Jan ’66
· The Man Who Loved the Faioli · ss Galaxy Jun ’67
· Lucifer · ss Worlds of Tomorrow Jun ’64

Kirjastus Fantaasia has also published Estonian editions of Zelazny’s and 24 VIEWS OF MT. FUJI, BY HOKUSAI and DOORWAYS IN THE SAND.

Chronicles Of Amber in Kazakhstan!


The first three novels in Roger Zelazny‘s classic, beloved Chronicles of Amber series are available now in Kazakhstan! Published by Foliant Books, here are the details…

  1. NINE PRINCES IN AMBERЭмбердің тоғыз ханзадасы
  2. THE GUNS OF AVALONАвалонның қаруы
  3. SIGN OF THE UNICORNСыңармүйіз белгісі

Here’s the synopsis for the first novel…

Фантаст жазушы Роджер Желязны өзінің он кітаптан тұратын «Эмбер хроникасы» романдар циклін жиырма жылдан астам уақыт жазған. Фантастикалық шығарманың алғашқы кітабы «Эмбердің тоғыз ханзадасы» 1970 жылы жарық көрді. Жазушының есімін бүкіл әлемге танытқан бұл кітапта тоғыз ханзаданың бірі, Эмбер тағының заңды мұрагері Корвиннің басынан кешкен оқиғасы баяндалады. Жол апатына ұшырап, жадын жоғалтқан ханзада өткен өмірін еске түсіру үшін інісі Рэндоммен бірге Арден орманы арқылы Эмберге аттанады. Жолай елес қала атанған Ребмадағы Отты Жолдан өтіп, өзінің кім екенін есіне түсіреді. Енді ол Эмбердің қазіргі билеушісі, өзінің бауыры Эрикпен соғысып, билікті тартып алуды көздейді. Осылайша ханзадалар арасында тақ үшін күрес басталады.

The Chronicles of Amber series are available in the UK, published as two omnibus editions by Gollancz, as part of their SF Masterworks series. The series is also available widely in translation. See Zelazny’s author page for more details.

Here’s the English-language synopsis for the first omnibus…

Amber is the one real world, casting infinite reflections of itself – Shadow worlds, that can be manipulated by those of royal Amberite blood. But the royal family is torn apart by jealousies and suspicion; the disappearance of the Patriarch Oberon has intensified the internal conflict by leaving the throne apparently up for grabs.

In a hospital on the Shadow Earth, a young man is recovering from a freak car accident; amnesia has robbed him of all his memory, even the fact that he is Corwin, Crown Prince of Amber, rightful heir to the throne – and he is in deadly peril…

The five books, Nine Princes in Amber, The Guns of Avalon, Sign of the Unicorn, The Hand of Oberon and The Courts of Chaos, together make up The Chronicles of Amber, Roger Zelazny’s finest work of fantasy and an undisputed classic of the genre.