Tier Ranking Neal Stephensons Novels / SPOILER-FREE Reviews the library ladder 2022-05-08 | Science fiction author Neal Stephenson is a challenging writer who entertains, educates and frustrates many with his novels. His books are densely packed with fascinating ideas, deep dives into science/technical subjects, and sometimes strange diversions. That's why he's one of my favorite authors. I always learn new and interesting things when I read his novels, even when I don't enjoy the books.In my previous video, I compared Stephenson to the king of the techno-thrillers, Michael Crichton. (Linked: youtu.be/KPB3l0spMys)This video takes a spoiler-free look at each of Stephenson's novels and identifies which of them are essential reading and why.0:34 Overview1:44 Zodiac5:30 Snow Crash9:59 The Diamond Age15:53 Cryptonomicon19:14 The Baroque Cycle23:28 Anathem27:36 REAMDE29:45 Fall, or Dodge in Hell32:27 Seveneves35:27 Termination Shock37:53 Collaboration novelsOther videos featuring different parts of my book collection are linked below.Review of Heroes Die, by Matthew Woodring Stover: youtu.be/-bm0HS_n94gMartha Wells Before Murderbot: youtu.be/0sBYuxrcysUMichael Moorcock: Enter the Multiverse: youtu.be/F5TTtSWPxQsGuy Gavriel Kay: Tier Ranked: youtu.be/WoFYvjIDaCM GGK Is the Greatest Living Fantasy Author: youtu.be/bgGYciPdEpUStephen R. Donaldson's Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever series: First Chronicles: youtu.be/ir9tAWHqkGg Second Chronicles: youtu.be/IZNgahJniIU Last Chronicles: youtu.be/Dcqs-ceM2fEBrandon Sanderson vs. the Evil Librarians: youtu.be/tKsZKKdEzc8Channel Overview: youtu.be/KRNfov1qH10Fantasy Overview: youtu.be/qGu7DZNyv1EScience Fiction Overview: youtu.be/W2LdYtDl6OkMystery Overview: youtu.be/BoDyF0XF3PEAdventure/Thriller/Historical Fiction Overview: youtu.be/2Qog48AEREsHorror and Weird Fiction Overview: youtu.be/MrDGibCAYncChildren’s Books Overview: youtu.be/G2vc15mSpHMLiterature Overview: youtu.be/7T_XlTnGtJEAntiquarian Nonfiction Overview: youtu.be/MIRje1_14_EIllustrated Books Overview: youtu.be/oPiZqPVY53c#booktube #booktubesff #sciencefiction #scifi #bookreview #thrillersArtwork credits:izzymedrano@deviantart.comIgor Sobolevsky
The Many Rogues, Rascals & Scoundrels of Jack Vance || An Overview of His Works the library ladder 2024-09-08 | Jack Vance has been described as the greatest prose stylist in the history of speculative fiction. The creativity of his worldbuilding is legendary, and no one wrote self-absorbed, amoral rogues, rascals and scoundrels like he did.This video is a retrospective overview of Vance, his place in literary history, and his more than 50 novels and dozens of works of short fiction spanning multiple genres. It's the longest video I've ever made and is an experimental attempt to combine multiple, somewhat conflicting, objectives in one video. I tried without success to keep it under an hour, and I apologize for its excessive length. There was too much ground to cover, and I still don't feel like I did his works justice.0:58 Vance's Place in History4:34 Greatest Prose Stylist in SFF History?7:45 Settings, Themes & Other Hallmarks14:51 Influences & Early Writing Career19:57 Growth in Acclaim and Output21:28 The Phantom Author?23:30 Vance's Bibliography25:22 His SF Short Fiction33:34 His SF Novels58:45 The Dying Earth1:06:04 Lyonesse1:08:37 Crime Thrillers & Mysteries1:11:48 ConclusionLinks to some of my other videos about science fiction and fantasy: Connie Willis's Novels & Short Fiction - youtu.be/IsQEWQEWqkw Essential King Arthur Retellings - youtu.be/MD_j-8-PraE An Overview of Lord Dunsany's Works - youtu.be/AJKfoLUN47M Tad Williams' Novels and Short Fiction - youtu.be/UGSnOIgnwio A History of Gnome Press - youtu.be/_HlKhLG3ZxE A History of Science Fiction Anthologies - youtu.be/3VNt6N9m-_4 The Roots and Evolution of Steampunk - youtu.be/SFEFWl67fLA The Best SF of Vernor Vinge - youtu.be/O_Nk8c9cZoY Tier Ranking Neal Stephenson's Novels - youtu.be/mXhOyzjKsHo---------------------------------I have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladderArt and image credits:Tom KiddStephen FabianRandy BroeckerPaul ChadwickDavid MattinglyLes EdwardsKen BarrDavid SchleinkoferNed DameronKonstantin KorobovKip RasmussenJacek IrzkowskiMichael WhelanHannes BokJack Vance#fantasybooks #scifi #sfalliance #booktubesff
The Best of Connie Willis || An Overview of Her Science Fiction Works the library ladder 2024-05-14 | SFWA Grand Master Connie Willis is one of the most decorated science fiction authors of all time, having won a combined 27 Hugo, Nebula and Locus awards over the past 40 years. Her recipe for success is equally unparalleled, using Hollywood screwball comedies from the 1930s and 40s as the structural template for many of her science fiction stories and novels.She's one of my favorite authors, and I hope this overview of her novels and short fiction inspires you to give her works a try.1:07 Recognition and acclaim1:51 Settings and themes4:08 Influences on her writing6:03 Science fiction as romantic comedy7:37 Character archetypes9:32 Is it science fiction?11:36 Her approach to writing13:11 Oxford Time Travel series19:51 Her other novels25:20 Her short fiction29:47 A few caveatsLinks to some of my other videos about science fiction: A History of Gnome Press - youtu.be/_HlKhLG3ZxE A History of Science Fiction Anthologies - youtu.be/3VNt6N9m-_4 The Roots and Evolution of Steampunk - youtu.be/SFEFWl67fLA The Best SF of Vernor Vinge - youtu.be/O_Nk8c9cZoY Tier Ranking Neal Stephenson's Novels - youtu.be/mXhOyzjKsHo---------------------------------I have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladderArt and image credits:Niels DuinkerMickmumpitz#scifi #sfalliance #booktubesff
15 Essential and Rewarding King Arthur Retellings the library ladder 2024-04-17 | Over the past couple of years, I've read dozens of novels about King Arthur. Some are traditional retellings of the story, but most are modern versions written in the past 60 years. In this video, I discuss 15 of the most memorable ones, including several I think are essential reads. Some of them might surprise you.0:54 Where to Start?3:20 What Makes Modern Retellings Different?6:39 Arthur in Children's Literature7:49 Arthur-Adjacent Retellings9:51 Arthur-Focused Retellings10:32 Recommended Traditional Retellings22:45 Recommended Modern Retellings23:40 Modern Fantasies36:38 Modern Historical Fiction51:28 Other FavoritesLinks to some of my other videos about SFF history: A History of Gnome Press - youtu.be/_HlKhLG3ZxE A History of Arkham House - youtu.be/5k_iug7rWmE The Ballantine Adult Fantasy Series - youtu.be/Yqr1wsiYhQw A Tribute to Lord Dunsany - youtu.be/AJKfoLUN47M A History of Science Fiction Anthologies - youtu.be/3VNt6N9m-_4 Who Put the "Punk" in Steampunk? - youtu.be/SFEFWl67fLA King Arthur's Journey from Myth to History and Back Again - youtu.be/W70tXW0Vtyc------------------------------I have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladderArt Credits:N.C. WyethHoward PyleFrank SchoonoverGustaf TenggrenH.J. FordWilly PoganyHarry G. TheakerGustave DoreDan BeardAlan LeeTed NaismithArthur RackhamFrank DickseeHerbert James DraperThomas JonesAngus McBrideUlafish#fantasy #literature #booktubesff #booktube
King Arthurs Journey from Myth to History and Back Again the library ladder 2024-03-27 | Stories about King Arthur have been used as tools of political, religious and cultural propaganda for more than a thousand years. In this video, I discuss how Arthurian literature has been used for centuries to shape both public opinion and history. And in a companion video to follow this one, I’ll discuss what I think are some of the most memorable and essential retellings of the Arthurian Saga. 0:51 Was Arthur Real?1:43 Early Mythmaking2:24 Myth as Propaganda4:01 From Myth to History5:05 Arthur as Cultural Catalyst9:02 The Matter of Britain Goes Abroad11:21 Arthur as Religious Parable12:25 Arthur Loses His Luster13:02 Romantic Backlash14:58 Arthur as Allegory15:55 Arthur as Realistic FictionLinks to some of my other videos about SFF history: A History of Gnome Press - youtu.be/_HlKhLG3ZxE A History of Arkham House - youtu.be/5k_iug7rWmE The Ballantine Adult Fantasy Series - youtu.be/Yqr1wsiYhQw A Tribute to Lord Dunsany - youtu.be/AJKfoLUN47M A History of Science Fiction Anthologies - youtu.be/3VNt6N9m-_4 Who Put the "Punk" in Steampunk? - youtu.be/SFEFWl67fLA------------------------------I have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladderArt Credits:N.C. WyethHoward PyleFrank SchoonoverGustaf TenggrenAubrey BeardsleyStanley ArthursWilliam James AylwardH.J. FordHarry G. TheakerMaria KirkGustave DoreFlorence Mary AndersonGertrude HammondW. RaineyRowland WheelwrightAlan LeeJulek HellerMariusz CozicMusic Credtis:Hero's Theme by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0#fantasy #literature #booktubesff #booktube
Who Put the Punk in Steampunk? The Roots and Evolution of Steampunk the library ladder 2023-11-28 | Has steampunk lost its edge? What began as a kind of protest against the constraints and conventions of Victorian and Golden Age science fiction has evolved into a wide-ranging category that's difficult to define. Is it a discrete literary genre? Is it an ideology? Is it a counterculture movement? Or is it simply an aesthetic or style?In this video, I discuss the origins of steampunk and how it has morphed and adapted throughout its history.1:11 What Is Steampunk?3:21 Steampunk as a Protest Movement7:45 Cautionary SF Becomes the Exception10:35 Early Steampunk Rebels12:20 Mervyn Peake13:24 Keith Laumer14:46 Keith Roberts17:24 Ronald Clark19:06 Jack Finney20:06 Michael Moorcock26:07 Japan's Steampunk Tradition28:40 Cyberpunk Influences31:48 Has Steampunk Lost Its Edge?34:12 Or Is Steampunk Inherently Transgressive?Links to some of my other videos about SFF history: A History of Gnome Press - youtu.be/_HlKhLG3ZxE A History of Arkham House - youtu.be/5k_iug7rWmE The Ballantine Adult Fantasy Series - youtu.be/Yqr1wsiYhQw A Tribute to Lord Dunsany - youtu.be/AJKfoLUN47M A History of Science Fiction Anthologies - youtu.be/3VNt6N9m-_4------------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladderArt Credits:GiovaniDidier GraffetRodney MatthewsMike SavadSheer MadnessVarvara SnegiriovStijn Windig#steampunk #scifi #sfalliance #fantasy #booktubesff #booktube
The 20th Century Renaissance Man Who Pioneered Much of the Modern Fantasy Genre the library ladder 2023-08-31 | 100 years ago, an iconoclastic British author pushed the boundaries of fantasy fiction and inspired a Who's Who of writers from different corners of the genre: from Tolkien to Lovecraft; from Robert E. Howard to Jack Vance; from Michael Moorcock to Neil Gaiman, just to name a few.This video explores the works of Lord Dunsany and discusses what made him so influential and why he deserves to be read today.0:01 Overview3:14 Who was Lord Dunsany?3:56 An unlikely writer6:37 Literary reputation7:42 Dunsany's style10:05 Dunsany's themes11:48 Early short fiction19:24 Early novels25:32 Jorkens tales27:57 Later works29:33 Dunsany's impact31:37 Why forgotten today?33:11 Where to find his works------------------------------I've recorded an audiobook of Lord Dunsany's The Book of Wonder short story collection (14 stories), which is available for download at: thelibraryladder.creator-spring.com/listing/the-book-of-wonder-by-dunsanyTwo of the short stories from the audiobook can be listened to at:youtu.be/1eLtmuoBCuIyoutu.be/BuQRlohB7NAI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladderArtwork credits:Arthur RackhamHidehisa MiyagawaSidney SimeTano Bonfanti#booktube #fantasybooks #fantasy #bookcollection #booktubesff
The Best Science Fiction Short Story Anthologies the library ladder 2023-08-10 | Short stories are a great entry point to reading science fiction, but the enormous variety of SF anthologies can be daunting for readers wanting to know where to start and how to prioritize them. In this video, I recommend a handful of anthologies that are some of the very best, in my opinion. 0:42 Selection criteria3:12 Most influential anthologies7:36 Broad, historical survey anthologies11:03 Vintage SF anthologies15:33 Modern SF anthologiesMy previous video discussing the history and wide range of SF short stories and anthologies can be found at: youtu.be/3VNt6N9m-_4Links to some of my other videos about SF history and anthologies: A History of Gnome Press - youtu.be/_HlKhLG3ZxE A History of Arkham House - youtu.be/5k_iug7rWmE Entry Points for Classic SF - youtu.be/YaLQVvQ2SgI------------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder#booktube #scifi #sfalliance #bookcollection #booktubesff
Why Short Story Anthologies Are the Best Introduction to Science Fiction the library ladder 2023-07-31 | Short stories have been incubators of experimental and speculative ideas since the emergence of the science fiction genre more than a century ago. They're also my favorite form of SF, as they distill and concentrate what makes much of the genre so appealing to me.In this video, I provide a brief overview of the evolution of SF short fiction and its impact on the genre, with an emphasis on the anthologies that have collected and popularized the stories and authors that defined its early years.0:36 Short stories as SF laboratories2:54 Early SF readers5:23 SF in the pulps6:32 Tracing the history of SF short stories10:29 The pulps get competition11:55 Emergence of SF anthologies13:08 Impact of SF anthologies15:21 Wide range of anthologies16:11 1940s & 50s anthologies22:29 1960s & New Wave influence28:14 Themed anthologies28:55 1970s & 80s anthologies29:32 1990s to present day------------------------------Links to some of my other videos about SF history and anthologies: A History of Gnome Press - youtu.be/_HlKhLG3ZxE A History of Arkham House - youtu.be/5k_iug7rWmE Entry Points for Classic SF - youtu.be/YaLQVvQ2SgI------------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder#booktube #scifi #sfalliance #bookcollection #booktubesff
The Ballantine Adult Fantasy Series Is a Fantasy Genre History Lesson the library ladder 2023-06-01 | Paperback publisher Ballantine Books played a pivotal role in the development and popularization of the fantasy genre. Its Ballantine Adult Fantasy Series of 83 old and new fantasy titles published between 1965 and 1974 introduced many mainstream readers to the genre and set the stage for the genre's rapid growth over the past 50 years.This video is an overview of the paperback book series and its impact. In future videos, I'll explore in more depth individual authors and books included in the series. Note also that I've defined the book series broadly to include titles that are closely associated with the series even though, officially, they weren't part of it.0:01 Fantasy's mid-century stigma2:10 Ballantine's opportunity5:24 Overview of the books6:14 Tolkien books7:53 Authors who influenced Tolkien9:15 Tolkien's contemporaries10:38 Early fantasy precursors12:15 Exotic cultures & adventures16:11 Weird & uncanny fiction17:48 New authors and works19:20 Anthologies21:05 What happened to BAFS?22:15 Aftermath24:24 Ballantine's impact26:04 Collectability------------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder#booktube #fantasybooks #fantasy #bookcollection #booktubesff
The Sparrow Duology Asks Bold Questions For Readers to Answer | Literary Science Fiction the library ladder 2023-04-27 | Mary Doria Russell's award-winning novel The Sparrow and its sequel, Children of God, are challenging and emotionally perilous reads that straddle both the science fiction and literary fiction genres. The books explore the intersection of science, faith and free will, among other themes, in the context of an alien first contact story.0:01 Influences & questions raised0:57 Plot overview3:15 Biblical allegory5:40 Themes6:33 Caveats & criticisms8:38 Recommendation10:11 Other perspectives (see below for SFA links)------------------------------Links to Amazon pages for the two books:The Sparrow - amzn.to/3nc0E2cChildren of God - amzn.to/3n9KNB6Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon. ------------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder------------------------------Artwork and Media Credits:chealzacatDALL-EDCVERTONGENMaryann HeldProfessor Dave ExplainsZlotnikov Andrey#sciencefiction #scifi #sfalliance #booktubesff #booktube
Tad Williams Was Late to His Own Revolution | A Spoiler-free Overview of His Fantasy & SF Works the library ladder 2023-04-19 | Early in his writing career, Tad Williams was a trendsetter who helped push the evolution of modern high fantasy beyond the Tolkien template. He set a standard that other writers have striven to match (and few have surpassed) for complex and realistic worldbuilding that incorporates politics, religions, economic systems, and the grime, grit and brutality of life in a medieval world.He also wrote an early cyberpunk science fiction epic that seems remarkably prescient nearly 30 years later. However, his venture into science fiction sidetracked him for several years, allowing authors Robert Jordan and George R. R. Martin to claim the crown as the kings of the fantasy genre in his absence.In total, Williams has written 26 novels and dozens of short stories over the past 40 years. In this video, I discuss some of what makes his writing distinctive, and I briefly review nearly all of his works.0:48 Prelude1:36 Bio2:38 Hallmarks of his writing5:28 Common themes5:54 Subversive goals9:10 Why he isn't more renowned14:58 Tailchaser's Song17:05 Memory, Sorrow & Thorn22:01 Otherland26:10 The War of the Flowers28:09 Shadowmarch30:24 Ordinary Farm31:52 Bobby Dollar35:58 Last King of Osten Ard39:49 Shorter fiction------------------------------The detailed reviews of Memory, Sorrow & Thorn by Jimmy @thefantasynuttwork that I reference in the video can be found at:youtube.com/watch?v=LJub4cdQb-Y&t=941s (Review of Book 1, The Dragonbone Chair)youtube.com/watch?v=4kEt6ttr6cw (Review of the complete trilogy)------------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladderArtwork Credits:DC ComicsDALL-EDonato GiancolaGellihanaHieronymous BoschKerem BeyitMatt RhodesMichael WhelanNaligalWayne Barlowe#booktube #fantasybooks #fantasy #sciencefiction #scifi #booktubesff #sfalliance
Ten Tips to Build the Book Collection Youve Always Wanted the library ladder 2023-03-20 | Lessons of experience from 40+ years of book collecting. Build it on a budget. Find hidden treasures. Avoid overpaying. Beat the professionals at their own game. And have fun while doing it.Tip 1 1:00Tip 2 2:03Tip 3 2:48Tip 4 4:07Tip 5 4:30Tip 6 8:14Tip 7 9:22Tip 8 11:44Tip 9 13:50Tip 10 14:58Brodart Just-a-Fold III archival dust jacket covers can be purchased here:http://www.shopbrodart.com/Library-Supplies/Book-Jacket-Covers/Archival-Covers/Just-A-Fold-III/Just-A-Fold-III-Sheets/_/Brodart-Just-A-Fold-III-Archival-Book-Jacket-Cover-Sheets(I have no connection to the company. I just really like its product.)------------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder#booktube #bookcollection #bookcollecting #rarebooks #childrensbooks #fantasybooks #fantasy #sciencefiction #scifi #classicbooks #horror #literature #thriller #suspense #booktubesff
Nine Great Fantasy Books for Middle Grade Readers; February 2023 the library ladder 2023-02-27 | Nine classic fantasy fiction books I recommend for children. These are some of the books that shaped and inspired the popularity of the fantasy genre today. Amazon links to the books are provided below.This is part of an ongoing series of videos providing recommendations for young readers. Other videos in this series include:Science Fiction for Kids - youtu.be/EwPIRaeFK-MMystery Fiction for Kids - youtu.be/8y-EQKGGA4w0:38 Roots of fantasy books for kids2:11 T. H. White, book 13:31 T. H. White, book 24:50 Elizabeth Goudge6:01 Alan Garner7:49 Lloyd Alexander----------------------------Links to Amazon pages for the recommended books:T. H. White: amzn.to/3ksQ0CSamzn.to/3xWnXi9Elizabeth Goudge:amzn.to/3IzNanwAlan Garner:amzn.to/3YdWZ0kLloyd Alexander:amzn.to/3Y7ol8jAffiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon. ------------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder------------------------------Artwork credits:Aubrey Beardsleydws4meGloomJulek HellerJustin Kunz & Jared CrossleyTim Probertsaeriellyn [@deviantart]#childrensbooks #middlegradebooks #fantasybooks #fantasy #booktube #booktubesff
Six Roald Dahl 1st Editions #childrensbooks #roalddahl #rarebooks the library ladder 2023-02-25 | Penguin recently announced changes to the original text of many of Roald Dahl's children's books. Here are six of his books in their original form.------------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available in my channel's Store tab and at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder------------------------------#bookcollection #classicbooks #bookhistory #booktube #shorts
Tier Ranking Every Dan Simmons Novel - Thrillers, Historical, Literary & Short Fiction SPOILER-FREE the library ladder 2023-02-17 | Dan Simmons is best known for his award-winning science fiction and horror novels, but they represent only half of his literary output. In this video, I briefly review and tier rank his 14 books in the crime thriller, historical fiction and mainstream literary fiction genres, as well as his collected and uncollected short fiction.The first two parts of my Dan Simmons overview: Part 1: Why he's essential reading - youtu.be/fp8SPQ-d4fcPart 2: Tier ranking his horror and science fiction - youtu.be/SO-DYjZ6Vjc0:34 Organization & criteria1:02 Literary fiction / Phases of Gravity4:45 Crime thrillers / Darwin's Blade8:56 Joe Kurtz trilogy11:46 Historical fiction / The Crook Factory14:32 The Terror18:09 Drood24:01 Black Hills25:56 The Abominable29:38 The Fifth Heart33:38 Short fiction / Prayers to Broken Stones36:24 Lovedeath37:42 Worlds Enough and Time38:28 Other noteworthy short fiction-----------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder------------------------------Artwork credits:Alexsander Obradovic, Bob Englehart, DALL-E, Dan Simmons, Darwyn Cooke, mindtricks, Nathan Spotts#scifi #horror #literature #thriller #suspense #booktube #sciencefiction #booktubesff
The Moonstone, 2nd edition 1874 #shorts #rarebooks #mystery the library ladder 2023-02-10 | In anticipation of the final part of my Dan Simmons overview in which I'll discuss his novel Drood, here's a US second edition of The Moonstone, by Wilkie Collins, published by Harper & Brothers in 1874.------------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available in my channel's Store tab and at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder------------------------------#bookcollection #classicbooks #bookhistory #booktube #short
Tier Ranking Every Dan Simmons Novel - Horror & Science Fiction | SPOILER-FREE the library ladder 2023-02-02 | Dan Simmons has published 25 novels and three collections of short fiction over the past 40 years. In this video, I briefly review and tier rank 14 of his novels that are typically categorized as horror or science fiction from the best to the worst. In an upcoming video, I'll cover the rest of his novels and short fiction. The other two parts of my Dan Simmons overview: Part 1: Why he's essential reading - youtu.be/fp8SPQ-d4fcPart 3: Tier ranking his literary fiction, crime thrillers, historical fiction & short fiction - youtu.be/eEPw4qFFu3w0:30 Overview2:22 Roadmap to rankings3:03 Horror genre / Song of Kali6:55 Carrion Comfort10:59 Summer of Night13:37 Seasons of Horror15:04 Children of the Night16:06 Fires of Eden17:42 A Winter Haunting20:04 Science fiction / Hyperion Cantos & Ilium duology23:26 The Hollow Man25:39 Flashback--------------------------Links to @WordsinTime videos on the Hyperion Cantos and Ilium duology:Hyperion Cantos playlist - youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ1VUUH6rQdwlieUZFDQDvuxqr__ORT89Ilium review - youtube.com/watch?v=LkkknbjNi40------------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder------------------------------Artwork and music credits:admedium, Alex Ries, DALL-E, Dan Simmons, Ivo Hristov, Jasper Sandner, microcosmicecology, Orest Terremoto, rukkits, Sabin Boykinov, Taro Yamasaki, Viorel SimionescuDark Walk by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100468Artist: http://incompetech.comClassic Horror 3 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100469Artist: http://incompetech.comDay of Chaos by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300040Artist: http://incompetech.com#scifi #horror #booktube #sciencefiction #booktubesff
Why Dan Simmons Is Essential Reading, Part 1 of 3: Overview the library ladder 2023-01-16 | Dan Simmons is perhaps best known for his science fiction Hyperion Cantos, horror novels Summer of Night and Carrion Comfort, and historical fiction The Terror. But what about the other 18 novels and three short fiction collections he's published in various genres over the past four decades? How do they stack up against his better-known works?This is the first of three videos I'm making about Simmons. In this one, I provide an overview of his works, his influences, some of the recurring themes that appear in his books, why I think he's essential reading for fans of almost any genre, and why at times he can be frustrating to read.The other two videos in which I review and tier rank his works:Part 2: Tier ranking his horror and science fiction - youtu.be/SO-DYjZ6VjcPart 3: Tier ranking his literary fiction, crime thrillers, historical fiction & short fiction - youtu.be/eEPw4qFFu3w1:42 Diverse literary output and awards2:30 Writing influences and hallmarks5:59 Themes7:30 Why I think he's essential reading10:29 Occasional frustrations------------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder#scifi #horror #literature #thriller #suspense #booktube #sciencefiction #booktubesffArtwork credits:Cyberpunk 2077DALL-EIvo HristovJ.C. LittleCrazy Horse MemorialStathis Orphanos
Michael Moorcocks Eternal Champion, Part 3: Hawkmoon & the Runestaff || Spoiler-free review the library ladder 2022-12-31 | Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion saga spanning dozens of novels and multiple incarnations of the Champion is one of the most influential science fiction and fantasy creations of all time. This is the third in a series of videos I'm producing focused on Moorcock's 15-volume Eternal Champion omnibus edition published by White Wolf Publishing in the 1990s. The first two videos in the series can be found here: Overview of the Eternal Champion - youtu.be/F5TTtSWPxQs Volumes 1 & 2: John Daker and Von Bek - youtu.be/MJBqWj2kv1E0:01 The History of the Runestaff tetralogy5:40 Plot overview7:09 Stylistic influences8:05 Frustrations with it10:00 Conclusions------------------------------Library ladder merchandise is available at thelibraryladder.creator-spring.comI also have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder#booktubesff #sciencefiction #scifi #fantasy #multiverse #booktube Artwork credits:Rodney MatthewsDalmazio FrauSalwowski
Where to Start Reading Classic Science Fiction; Three Great Choices for Skeptics & Newbies the library ladder 2022-12-22 | Classic science fiction stories sometimes get knocked for being impenetrable, impersonal or impossible, turning potential readers away from the genre. In some cases, that negative reputation is deserved, but there's also a lot of really terrific older SF that's able to overcome those stereotypes and others.Here I'm presenting three great entry points to classic science fiction that have sufficient variety to appeal to readers of all types and tastes.0:20 General Recommendation3:06 Book Recommendation 16:31 Book Recommendation 28:20 Book Recommendation 3-----------------------------Links to Amazon pages for the recommended books:Recommendation 1: amzn.to/3YITGiXamzn.to/3v7mlkiRecommendation 2:amzn.to/3HRZil7amzn.to/3VkyRr4Recommendation 3:amzn.to/3hJkTBpamzn.to/3hIz3mvamzn.to/3VgjUGD------------------------------I have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder#sciencefiction #scifi #booktube #booktubesff #raybradbury
Science Fiction Recommendations for Middle Grade Readers; December 2022 the library ladder 2022-12-15 | A few gift suggestions for young readers with an interest in science fiction. I highlight nine classic science fiction titles suitable for children ages 8-12 (older readers are likely to enjoy most of them too). I also briefly identify three modern SF books for kids. Amazon links to the books are provided below.This is the first in a planned series of videos providing recommendations for parents (and grandparents) of young readers.0:39 Roots of science fiction for kids2:01 Robert Silverberg5:23 H.G. Wells6:07 John Christopher8:08 Arthur C. Clarke----------------------------Links to Amazon pages for the recommended books:Robert Silverberg: amzn.to/3FQWN10amzn.to/3PuuDMramzn.to/3Wh1cQeH.G. Wells:amzn.to/3W9zkgOJohn Christopher:amzn.to/3j7ect9Arthur C. Clarke:amzn.to/3BBxld7Stuart Gibbs:amzn.to/3BAWjJIJasmine Warga:amzn.to/3YoruSpJennifer L. Holm:amzn.to/3WmnBLIAffiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon. ------------------------------I have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder#sciencefiction #sfalliance #childrensbooks #scifi #middlegradebooks #booktube #booktubesff
The James Bond Books Compared to Their Film Adaptations: Tier Ranking the Books and Films the library ladder 2022-12-10 | The James Bond films have had an enormous cultural impact over the past 60 years, but what about the books that inspired them?In their own way, Ian Fleming's James Bond novels were similarly groundbreaking, giving the emerging spy fiction genre a sense of style and panache while also bringing its brutality out of the shadows.Bond became an archetype and role model despite his many character flaws. But Fleming didn't create Bond just to entertain readers. He had other objectives in mind, too.In this video, I discuss some of Bond's origins and influences in the books Fleming wrote between 1952 and 1964. I also evaluate the books and compare them to their film versions.0:18 Ian Fleming background2:32 Bringing Bond to the page5:11 A new kind of literary spy6:14 Bond as propaganda8:50 Bond's snob appeal10:11 Evaluating the books10:45 The evolution of the Bond novels15:01 Bond films differ from the books18:03 Book/film comparisons20:01 Casino Royale21:33 Live and Let Die22:46 Moonraker24:09 Diamonds Are Forever25:28 From Russia with Love26:35 Dr. No27:34 Goldfinger28:29 For Your Eyes Only30:04 Thunderball31:11 The Spy Who Loved Me32:34 On Her Majesty's Secret Service33:27 You Only Live Twice34:35 The Man with the Golden Gun36:06 Octopussy & The Living Daylights37:26 PatternsIn another video (youtu.be/bEnGtJymd-Q), I discuss the early history of the spy genre leading up to James Bond.------------------------I have a Ko-Fi.com page if you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a cup of coffee: ko-fi.com/thelibraryladder#booktube #jamesbond #007 #thrillers #vintagebooks #rarebooks #bookcollection
Modern Spy Fictions Debt to Poe, Arsene Lupin & the Crime Pulps; An Early History of the Genre the library ladder 2022-11-17 | Adventure stories and tales of political intrigue have been around for hundreds of years. Spies have been around for millennia. But the spy novel is a distinctly 20th century innovation. What took it so long?This video examines the cultural stigmas and propaganda pressures that impeded (and promoted) the development of the spy genre. It's not an exhaustive overview of the early history of the genre, but it provides a flavor of the literary milestones that led to Ian Fleming's James Bond and the seismic cultural shift Bond ushered in.Some of the authors discussed include Edgar Allan Poe, Arthur Conan Doyle, R. Austin Freeman, E.W. Hornung, Maurice Leblanc, Leslie Charteris, Anthony Hope, Rudyard Kipling, Erskine Childers, Baroness Orczy, John Buchan, E. Phillips Oppenheim, Francis Beeding, G.K. Chesterton, W. Somerset Maugham, John P. Marquand, Eric Ambler, Graham Greene, Dashiell Hammett, James M. Cain, Ian Fleming, John le Carre, Len Deighton, Alistair MacLean, Richard Condon, James Grady, Robert Ludlum, Agatha Christie, Dorothy Gilman, Patrick O'Brian, Harry Harrison, Keith Laumer and Michael Moorcock.In an upcoming video, I'll explore all of Fleming's James Bond novels, evaluate them on their own merits, and compare them to their film versions.0:42 Spy fiction stigma5:46 Early propaganda motive8:08 19th Century literary spies9:34 Emergence of detective fiction10:40 Criminal anti-heroes11:54 Political adventure novels13:39 Early 20th Century spy stories17:17 Influence of hard-boiled crime fiction17:57 Ian Fleming's James Bond20:04 Genre growth in the 1960s21:08 Influence on other genres in the 1960s22:49 Recap--------------------------------------------I've opened a merchandise store: thelibraryladder.creator-spring.com--------------------------------------------Art and film clip credits:John McCluskyThe Scarlet Pimpernel (1934)The Thirty-nine Steps (1935)Secret Agent (1936)The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)Raffles (1939)He Walked by Night (1948)Dr. No (1962)Waterloo (1970)The Age of Innocence (1992)The Three Musketeers (1993)Hornblower (1999)The Patriot (2000)The Four Feathers (2002)Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)Troy (2004)Agatha Christie's Marple: At Bertram's Hotel (2007)London Olympics (2012)Game of Thrones (2011)#booktube #thrillers #jamesbond #vintagebooks #rarebooks #bookcollection
When Haunted Hayrides Turn Savage the library ladder 2022-10-23 | If you like spooky stories with supernatural scares, demonic possession, haunted houses and hand-to-hand combat with the undead, and if you enjoy the early, character-driven works of Stephen King, then Jonathan Maberry's Pine Deep Trilogy might be just what you're looking for this Halloween season.Maberry has made a significant reputation for himself in recent years as a specialist in zombie apocalypse fiction. His Pine Deep Trilogy, comprising the books Ghost Road Blues, Dead Man's Song, and Bad Moon Rising, were his debut novels focused on a small Pennsylvania farming community and a local outbreak of zombies and other horrors, both natural and otherwise.Although it features zombies, this isn't another knock-off of The Walking Dead. Instead, it feels much more like a classic Stephen King novel.#horrorstories #booktube Artwork and film clip credits:Stephen Gammellfreakydeaky.comIt (2017)Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)Halloween H2O (1998)Jaws (1975)Kick-Ass (2010)The Walking Dead (2010)Dracula (1931)Horror of Dracula (1958)Monster Squad (1987)Signs (2002)Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
The Greatest Small Publisher of Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy in History the library ladder 2022-10-07 | An historical overview of Arkham House and its influence on the horror, science fiction and dark fantasy genres over a period of 70 years (1939-2010). Authors such as H.P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith, Robert E. Howard, Ray Bradbury, Fritz Leiber, and Robert Bloch wrote dark and strange tales that likely would have faded into obscurity without the efforts of Arkham House Publishers to bring them to a wider audience.0:44 Arkham House & H.P. Lovecraft6:03 1940s: Launching the company (and the legacies of great authors)13:23 1950s: Lean times14:01 1960s: A new generation of horror16:48 1970s: Crossroads18:36 1980s: New and old territories19:49 1990s & 2000s: Too much of the new?20:53 Other Arkham House imprints22:45: Missed opportunities23:53 Arkham House's impact and legacyMy related video about Gnome Press, the greatest small publisher of science fiction and fantasy, can be found here: youtu.be/_HlKhLG3ZxE#horrorstories #lovecraft #weird #cthulhu #booktube #booktubesff #sciencefiction #scifi #fantasy #sf #bookhistory #bookcollection #classicbooksArtwork and Film Credits:Alien (1979)Psycho (1960)The Thing (1982)Jorge JacintoRaymond BaylessWalter Brocca
Bookshelf Tour - 19th & Early 20th Century Childrens Classics the library ladder 2022-09-22 | My favorite bookcase containing more than 200 rare and vintage children's books, many of which are more than 100 years old. I've been collecting them for more than 40 years.0:19 Why I chose these shelves2:21 Bookcase overview2:35 Shelf #1 - Andrew Lang's fairy tales6:47 Shelf #2 - Illustrated fairy tales10:32 Shelf #3 - Illustrated children's stories14:14 Shelf #4 - Illustrated gift books17:47 Shelf #5 - Lucy Maud Montgomery20:19 Shelf #6 - Vintage children's novels (Alcott, Burnett, Nesbit, Barrie)23:41 Shelf #7 - More vintage children's novels (Lewis, Milne, Grahame, Carroll, Baum, etc.)28:14 Shelf #8 - Thomas Knox's Boy Travellers series30:06 Shelf #9 - Still more vintage children's novels (Adams, White, Wilder, etc.)34:50 Shelf #10 - More fairy tales, picture books & Swallows and AmazonsI have more videos about illustrated books and children's books:How to Start Reading Classic Books - youtu.be/yqEvYK7-THwScribner Illustrated Classics series - youtu.be/7aja1NOMQPUThe Golden Age of Book Illustration - youtu.be/oPiZqPVY53c150 Years of Classic Children's Books - youtu.be/G2vc15mSpHM#bookshelftour #childrensbooks #illustrator #booktube #anneofgreengables #winniethepooh #narnia #peterpan #vintagebooks #rarebooks #bookcollection
Vernor Vinges Best Science Fiction, 1984-2011; How to Avoid a Technological Singularity the library ladder 2022-09-13 | This is the second part of my overview of Vernor Vinge, a modern all-time great science fiction author and one of the foremost thinkers about the future of artificial intelligence and the potential for a technological singularity to occur in the coming decades. His fiction and nonfiction writing has had a profound impact on many other highly regarded authors including: William Gibson, Neal Stephenson, Greg Bear, Tad Williams and Dan Simmons.Many of Vinge's works are brilliant. Among them are some of my all-time favorites in the SF genre. And he's been recognized with numerous awards, including seven Hugo nominations and five wins, despite writing only eight novels and 24 short stories and novellas over a span of five decades. My first video about Vinge, covering his ideas about superhuman intellligence and his early works from 1965-1981, can be found at youtu.be/VlyE6vXrv-o.In this second video, I discuss his works spanning the period 1984-2011, when his writing reached its zenith.0:03 Vinge overview0:58 The Peace War5:39 The Ungoverned7:03 Marooned in Realtime11:45 Zones of Thought14:32 A Fire Upon the Deep19:18 A Deepness in the Sky22:24 The Children of the Sky24:16 The Blabber25:16 Fast Times at Fairmont High28:22 Rainbow's End31:04 The Cookie Monster#sciencefictionalliance #booktube #sciencefiction #scifi #booktubesff #singularity #artificialintelligence #sf
Vernor Vinges Early Science Fiction, 1965-1983; A Quest for Superhuman Intelligence & Singularities the library ladder 2022-09-02 | Vernor Vinge is one of the foremost thinkers about the future of artificial intelligence and the potential for a technological singularity to occur in the coming decades. He's a science fiction writer who's had a profound impact on a wide range of authors including: William Gibson, Charles Stross, Neal Stephenson and Dan Simmons.Many of Vinge's works are brilliant. Among them are some of my all-time favorites in the SF genre. And he's been recognized with numerous awards, including seven Hugo nominations and five wins, despite writing only eight novels and 24 short stories and novellas over a span of five decades. In this video, I discuss his early works from the 1960s to the 1980s. His later works from the 1980s onward are the subject of my next video.0:42 What is a technological singularity?4:51 A.I. in science fiction history5:38 Should we be afraid?6:59 Who is Vernor VInge?8:50 Short stories11:26 Tatja Grimm's World (1969, 1987)13:47 The Witling (1976)17:40 True Names (1981)#booktube #booktubesff #sciencefiction #scifi #singularity #artificialintelligence #sf
Scribner Illustrated Classics: Childrens Books for All Ages the library ladder 2022-08-07 | Scribner's Illustrated Classics series was the greatest of the illustrated series of children's books produced in the first half of the 20th century. It was the largest, longest running and most influential illustrated classics series, staying in print throughout most of the last century. And, in my opinion, it also featured some of the most beautiful artwork ever to grace a book's pages, including paintings by N.C. Wyeth, Jessie Willcox Smith, Maxfield Parrish and many other notable artists from the Golden Age of book illustration.This series of books is a terrific entry point to reading "the classics," for children and adults alike. Some of my first introductions to these titles were these illustrated editions and other similar ones from different publishers.0:01 What happened to classic childrens' books?1:43 Charles Scribner's Sons Company2:50 Overview and origins of Scribner's Illustrated Classics series6:24 Adventure novels14:38 Books for younger readers17:00 Anthologies of Dickens and Alcott excerpts18:18 Contemporary heartwarmers19:15 Other related illustrated books 22:30 Influence on other publishers 23:37 Recent additions 24:39 A note for collectorsSee my earlier video about what makes a book classic here: youtu.be/yqEvYK7-THw#classicbooks #bookcollection #reading #classics #childrensbooks #childrensbook #booktube #illustration #wyethFilm clip and image credits:Muppet Treasure Island (1996)Black Sails (2014)Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)The Last of the Mohicans (1992)Braveheart (1995)
...and How to Start Reading Classic Books the library ladder 2022-07-19 | If reading "the classics" is something you find intriguing but daunting, you might try approaching them from a different direction. And the first step involves reconsidering what it means for a book to be deemed a classic. After all, classic books aren't always old books, and old books aren't always classics. Here are a few of my thoughts and suggestions.0:01 What defines a classic book?1:45 High quality isn't a requirement2:33 Not just for adults3:25 Where to start?3:53 Where not to start5:11 Where to start? (redux)5:37 Where not to start (redux)6:27 Where to start? (redux duo)#classicbooks #bookcollection #reading #classics #childrensbooks #childrensbook #booktubeFilm clip credits:'The Public Enemy' (1931)'The Maltese Falcon' (1941)'Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe' (1940)'Star Wars' (1977)'It! The Terror from Beyond Space' (1958)'Alien' (1979)
This Fantasy Author Deserves More Recognition and Acclaim the library ladder 2022-07-18 | Why are the finalists for the major, annual fantasy awards (e.g., Nebula, World Fantasy Award, Locus) sometimes populated with unremarkable authors and books, while much better writers and works go unrecognized?This video highlights a fantasy author who, in my opinion, is the greatest English language practitioner of the art working today, but who rarely, if ever, is on the ballot for awards, despite producing consistently high quality novels for decades.I hope to introduce this author to more readers. [NOTE: This is a slightly modified re-upload of a video I made in January 2022. Due to complaints about the audio mix in that video, I've improved the audio in this new version and addressed a couple of visual elements that needed fixing. Otherwise, the content of this video is the same as the original's.]A second video in which I discuss each of this author's books and rank them into tiers for your reading enjoyment is linked here: youtu.be/WoFYvjIDaCM.#booktube #booktubesff #fantasy #ggk Spoiler below: Guy Gavriel Kay is the greatest living fantasy author writing in the English language today.
Michael Moorcocks Eternal Champion, Part 2: Von Bek & John Daker || Spoiler-free review the library ladder 2022-07-03 | Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion saga spanning dozens of novels and more than 50 different incarnations of the Champion is one of the most influential science fiction and fantasy creations of all time. This is the second in a series of videos I'll be producing focused on Moorcock's 15-volume Eternal Champion omnibus edition published by White Wolf Publishing in the 1990s. The first video, which provides an overview of Moorcock and his multiverse of Eternal Champions, can be found here: youtu.be/F5TTtSWPxQsIn this second video, I briefly review the first two volumes in the White Wolf edition featuring various Von Bek and John Daker incarnations of the Champion. Their stories represent Moorcock's recommended entry points into his sometimes confusing multiverse of Eternal Champions.1:01 Suggested reading order3:54 Writing style6:27 Von Bek volume15:51 The Eternal Champion volume#booktube #booktubesff #sciencefiction #scifi #fantasy #multiverseArtwork credits:Idoneth DeepkinKen PettsMark Beerdom@deviantart.comRaventailBlacktalon@deviantart.comRodney Matthewsrufus-jr@deviantart.comSteve EllisWETA Workshop
Guy Gavriel Kays All the Seas of the World || Spoiler-free Review the library ladder 2022-06-22 | Guy Gavriel Kay's latest historical fantasy novel, All the Seas of the World, continues the story told in his earlier books The Lions of Al-Rassan, The Sarantine Mosaic, Children of Earth and Sky, and A Brightness Long Ago. In this video I discuss his new book and rank it in relation to his many, wonderful literary works.0:38 Connection to other GGK novels2:05 Plot overview5:51 Major themes7:10 Critique of the book13:19 Conclusion and recommendation#booktube #booktubesff #fantasy #bookcollection #bookreviewArtwork credits:Ananda C. AranElizabeth Leung
The Tiny Publisher That Kickstarted Modern Science Fiction & Fantasy the library ladder 2022-06-04 | From 1948 to 1962, Gnome Press was a small press with an enormous impact on speculative fiction, introducing some of the most influential authors of science fiction and fantasy, including Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, C. L. Moore, and Robert E. Howard, to wider, mainstream audiences.Alas, the history of Gnome is a cautionary tale. The publisher played a pivotal role in lifting speculative fiction out of the pulp magazines and into literary respectability, but it never achieved the business success its pioneering vision deserved. 0:41 Origins of Gnome Press4:02 Gnome's first books in 1948-494:58 Proof of concepts5:56 The period 1950-547:05 Iconic dust jacket artwork8:34 Gnome's business challenges13:18 The period 1955-5914:22 Gnome's collapse, 1960-6215:26 The legacy of Gnome Press18:55 Related reading material#booktube #booktubesff #sciencefiction #scifi #fantasy #sf #goldenage #bookhistory #bookcollection #classicbooks
The Pulpy Roots of Perry Mason More Disreputable Than His TV Image the library ladder 2022-05-26 | Perry Mason might be the most famous and popular fictional lawyer ever created, but he wasn't always the paragon of lawyerly skill and virtue that the public imagines him to be. Instead, Perry was a deeply flawed character who was very much a product of his pulp fiction roots in the 1920s and 1930s when author Erle Stanley Gardner began writing the best-selling mystery book series of all time.In this video, I look at how the Perry Mason character has evolved from his earliest incarnations and across different media adaptations to become the legal icon we know today.#booktube #mystery #mysterybooks #bookreview #thrillers #perrymason #bookcollection #goldenage #bookhistory #classicbooksArtwork credits:sillyjellieart@tumblr
Rare 1st Printing of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, 1938 #shorts #rarebooks the library ladder 2022-04-20 | A first edition, first printing of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic The Hobbit, published in the U.S. by Houghton Mifflin in 1938.#booktube #bookhistory #bookcollection #childrensbooks #classicbooks #booktubesff #short #shorts
Neal Stephenson Is Michael Crichton for Geeks the library ladder 2022-04-17 | Why Neal Stephenson isn't (but could be) the king of modern techno-thrillers.This is the first of two videos featuring the books of brilliant science fiction author Neal Stephenson. In this one, I compare Stephenson to the former king of the techno-thriller novel, Michael Crichton.The second video, which I'll upload soon, takes a closer look at each of Stephenson's novels and identifies which of them are essential reading and why.Stephenson is a challenging writer. His novels are densely packed with fascinating ideas, deep dives into science/technical subjects, and sometimes strange diversions. That's why he's one of my favorite authors. I always learn new and interesting things when I read his books.1:00 Stephenson/Crichton - Things in common2:40 Shared technology interests6:00 Acclaim and popularity6:57 Significant differences10:55 Stephenson's hallmarks15:16 ConclusionOther videos featuring different parts of my book collection are linked below.Review of Heroes Die, by Matthew Woodring Stover: youtu.be/-bm0HS_n94gMartha Wells Before Murderbot: youtu.be/0sBYuxrcysUMichael Moorcock: Enter the Multiverse: youtu.be/F5TTtSWPxQsGuy Gavriel Kay: Tier Ranked: youtu.be/WoFYvjIDaCM GGK Is the Greatest Living Fantasy Author: youtu.be/bgGYciPdEpUStephen R. Donaldson's Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever series: First Chronicles: youtu.be/ir9tAWHqkGg Second Chronicles: youtu.be/IZNgahJniIU Last Chronicles: youtu.be/Dcqs-ceM2fEBrandon Sanderson vs. the Evil Librarians: youtu.be/tKsZKKdEzc8Channel Overview: youtu.be/KRNfov1qH10Fantasy Overview: youtu.be/qGu7DZNyv1EScience Fiction Overview: youtu.be/W2LdYtDl6OkMystery Overview: youtu.be/BoDyF0XF3PEAdventure/Thriller/Historical Fiction Overview: youtu.be/2Qog48AEREsHorror and Weird Fiction Overview: youtu.be/MrDGibCAYncChildren’s Books Overview: youtu.be/G2vc15mSpHMLiterature Overview: youtu.be/7T_XlTnGtJEAntiquarian Nonfiction Overview: youtu.be/MIRje1_14_EIllustrated Books Overview: youtu.be/oPiZqPVY53c#booktube #booktubesff #sciencefiction #scifi #bookreview #thrillers
Rare, Signed Dune 1st Editions #shorts #rarebooks the library ladder 2022-04-15 | A rare first edition, first printing of the epic science fiction novel Dune, by Frank Herbert, published in 1965 by Chilton. It contains a bookplate signed by the author.Also included are signed first edition, first printings of its sequels: Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, and Chapterhouse: Dune, each published by Putnam in 1969, 1976, 1981, 1984 and 1985, respectively.#booktube #bookhistory #bookcollection #classicbooks #sciencefiction #scifi #short #shorts
Watership Down, 1st Editions Signed #shorts #rarebooks the library ladder 2022-04-12 | UK and US first editions of Watership Down, by Richard Adams, published by Rex Collings in 1972 and Macmillan in 1974.Also included is a UK second edition published by Rex Collings in 1973 which contains a bookplate signed by the author. #booktube #bookhistory #bookcollection #childrensbooks #classicbooks #booktubesff #short #shorts
Four Peter Pan First Editions #shorts #rarebooks the library ladder 2022-04-09 | First editions of the earliest appearances of Peter Pan, created by J. M. Barrie. Included are: The Little White Bird (1902)Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens (1922)Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens Retold for Little People (1930)Peter and Wendy (1911)Peter and Wendy (1928)All are US editions published by Charles Scribner's Sons.#booktube #bookhistory #bookcollection #childrensbooks #classicbooks #short #shorts
Rare Jules Verne - 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas (1873) #shorts #rarebooks the library ladder 2022-04-06 | A beautiful 2nd edition of the classic science fiction novel Twenty-thousand Leagues Under the Seas, by Jules Verne. Published by Geo. M. Smith of Boston in 1873.#booktube #bookhistory #bookcollection #classicbooks #sciencefiction #scifi #short #shorts
A Guilty Pleasure Thats Actually Amazing! | Review of Heroes Die, by Matthew Woodring Stover the library ladder 2022-04-02 | Heroes Die is an epic, hybrid science fiction/fantasy novel that would rank high on my 'guilty pleasures' list for the story premise alone. It's bonkers! Can a book so over-the-top be taken seriously? Short answer: Yes. The book is so well-written, there's no reason to feel guilty about it. It's an exhilarating pleasure to read.Find out why authors Steven Erikson, Scott Lynch and Pierce Brown have credited this book with inspiring their respective Malazan, Gentleman Bastards and Red Rising series.0:33 First impressions1:01 Hypothetical pitch to publisher2:04 As bonkers as it sounds?7:07 Themes8:52 Writing style10:24 Worldbuilding10:39 Acts of Caine series11:06 ConclusionOther videos featuring different parts of my book collection are linked below.Martha Wells Before Murderbot: youtu.be/0sBYuxrcysUMichael Moorcock: Enter the Multiverse: youtu.be/F5TTtSWPxQsGuy Gavriel Kay: Tier Ranked: youtu.be/WoFYvjIDaCM GGK Is the Greatest Living Fantasy Author: youtu.be/bgGYciPdEpUStephen R. Donaldson's Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever series: First Chronicles: youtu.be/ir9tAWHqkGg Second Chronicles: youtu.be/IZNgahJniIU Last Chronicles: youtu.be/Dcqs-ceM2fEBrandon Sanderson vs. the Evil Librarians: youtu.be/tKsZKKdEzc8Channel Overview: youtu.be/KRNfov1qH10Fantasy Overview: youtu.be/qGu7DZNyv1EScience Fiction Overview: youtu.be/W2LdYtDl6OkMystery Overview: youtu.be/BoDyF0XF3PEAdventure/Thriller/Historical Fiction Overview: youtu.be/2Qog48AEREsHorror and Weird Fiction Overview: youtu.be/MrDGibCAYncChildren’s Books Overview: youtu.be/G2vc15mSpHMLiterature Overview: youtu.be/7T_XlTnGtJEAntiquarian Nonfiction Overview: youtu.be/MIRje1_14_EIllustrated Books Overview: youtu.be/oPiZqPVY53c#booktube #booktubesff #sciencefiction #scifi #bookreview
The Many Worlds of Martha Wells: 25 Years of Fantasy Novels Before Murderbot the library ladder 2022-03-09 | Martha Wells is probably best known today for her recent Hugo and Nebula award-winning Murderbot Diaries series. However, she's been writing speculative fiction for 30 years, and her earlier fantasy novels are wonderful and deserve more attention.Her worldbuilding skills are well-honed, and she creates radically different worlds or settings in her books, many of which are standalone (!!!) novels.I highly recommend exploring her works!0:20 Murderbot Diaries1:14 Martha Wells' worldbuilding & style2:24 The Element of Fire3:35 City of Bones7:50 The Death of the Necromancer9:49 Wheel of the Infinite12:43 Books of the RaksuraOther videos featuring different parts of my book collection are linked below.Michael Moorcock: Enter the Multiverse: youtu.be/F5TTtSWPxQsGuy Gavriel Kay: Tier Ranked: youtu.be/WoFYvjIDaCM GGK Is the Greatest Living Fantasy Author: youtu.be/bgGYciPdEpUStephen R. Donaldson's Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever series: First Chronicles: youtu.be/ir9tAWHqkGg Second Chronicles: youtu.be/IZNgahJniIU Last Chronicles: youtu.be/Dcqs-ceM2fEBrandon Sanderson vs. the Evil Librarians: youtu.be/tKsZKKdEzc8Channel Overview: youtu.be/KRNfov1qH10Children’s Books Overview: youtu.be/G2vc15mSpHMScience Fiction Overview: youtu.be/W2LdYtDl6OkFantasy Overview: youtu.be/qGu7DZNyv1EMystery Overview: youtu.be/BoDyF0XF3PEAdventure Overview: youtu.be/2Qog48AEREsHorror and Weird Fiction Overview: youtu.be/MrDGibCAYnc#booktube #booktubesff #sciencefiction #scifiLiterature Overview: youtu.be/7T_XlTnGtJEAntiquarian Nonfiction Overview: youtu.be/MIRje1_14_EIllustrated Books Overview: youtu.be/oPiZqPVY53cArtwork credits:angiemystAlex PragerArizona State UniversityBruce PenningtonEvyn Fongiviemoon@deviantart.comJarislav JasnikowskiJean BeraudMatthew Stewartrelotixke@deviantart.comSidney Pagetskitalets_dazhosh@deviantart.comtomtc@deviantart.comTroyce@twitter.com
Michael Moorcocks Eternal Champion, Part 1: Enter the Multiverse the library ladder 2022-02-23 | Michael Moorcock is one of the most influential science fiction and fantasy writers of all time. He's credited with inventing and popularizing grimdark, steampunk and multiverses, and he also promoted the careers of other rising authors who further shaped the genres.Moorcock's most famous creation is his Eternal Champion saga. This is the first in a series of videos I'll be producing periodically focused on Moorcock's 15-volume Eternal Champion omnibus edition published by White Wolf Publishing in the 1990s. Future videos in this series will dive into the individual volumes in the saga, including those featuring Elric, Corum, Von Bek, Hawkmoon, Oswald Bastable, and Kane of Mars, among others.0:32 Moorcock intro1:29 Moorcock's influences2:49 Boundary pushing3:47 Helped define modern fantasy genre6:16 Eternal Champion series overview7:11 Themes8:35 Impact8:45 Settings & multiverse9:49 Why isn't the Eternal Champion better known today?11:31 General critique of the series13:14 Coming attractionsOther videos featuring different parts of my book collection are linked below.Guy Gavriel Kay: Tier Ranked: youtu.be/WoFYvjIDaCM GGK Is the Greatest Living Fantasy Author: youtu.be/bgGYciPdEpUReview of Stephen R. Donaldson's Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever series: First Chronicles: youtu.be/ir9tAWHqkGg Second Chronicles: youtu.be/IZNgahJniIU Last Chronicles: youtu.be/Dcqs-ceM2fEBrandon Sanderson vs. the Evil Librarians: youtu.be/tKsZKKdEzc8Channel Overview: youtu.be/KRNfov1qH10Children’s Books Overview: youtu.be/G2vc15mSpHMScience Fiction Overview: youtu.be/W2LdYtDl6OkFantasy Overview: youtu.be/qGu7DZNyv1EMystery Overview: youtu.be/BoDyF0XF3PEAdventure Overview: youtu.be/2Qog48AEREsHorror and Weird Fiction Overview: youtu.be/MrDGibCAYncLiterature Overview: youtu.be/7T_XlTnGtJEAntiquarian Nonfiction Overview: youtu.be/MIRje1_14_EIllustrated Books Overview: youtu.be/oPiZqPVY53cArtwork credits:adz2pipdog@reddit.comAmano YoshitakaBoris VallejoFrank FrazettaMichael WhelanRodney Matthewsscebiqu@deviantart.com#booktube #booktubesff #sciencefiction #scifi #fantasy #multiverse
Tier Ranking Guy Gavriel Kays Fantasy Novels the library ladder 2022-02-08 | Guy Gavriel Kay is a fantasy author who has never written a bad novel. Here I rank all 11 (or 14) of his books from those that are very good to the ones that are his masterpieces.Although he started off writing high fantasy early in his career, most of his works are what he describes as "historical fiction with a quarter turn to the fantastic."In my opinion, he's the greatest living fantasy author working today, which I discussed in my previous video linked here: youtu.be/bgGYciPdEpU0:30 Overview1:11 The Fionavar Tapestry4:52 Ysabel6:54 Tigana9:02 A Song for Arbonne11:15 The Lions of Al-Rassan12:32 The Sarantine Mosaic14:55 The Last Light of the Sun16:08 Children of Earth and Sky17:45 A Brightness Long Ago18:45 Under Heaven20:30 River of StarsOther videos featuring different parts of my book collection are linked below.Review of Stephen R. Donaldson's Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever series: First Chronicles: youtu.be/ir9tAWHqkGg Second Chronicles: youtu.be/IZNgahJniIU Last Chronicles: youtu.be/Dcqs-ceM2fEBrandon Sanderson's Most Overlooked Series: youtu.be/tKsZKKdEzc8Channel Overview: youtu.be/KRNfov1qH10Children’s Books Overview: youtu.be/G2vc15mSpHMScience Fiction Overview: youtu.be/W2LdYtDl6OkFantasy Overview: youtu.be/qGu7DZNyv1EMystery Overview: youtu.be/BoDyF0XF3PEAdventure Overview: youtu.be/2Qog48AEREsHorror and Weird Fiction Overview: youtu.be/MrDGibCAYncLiterature Overview: youtu.be/7T_XlTnGtJEAntiquarian Nonfiction Overview: youtu.be/MIRje1_14_EIllustrated Books Overview: youtu.be/oPiZqPVY53c#booktube #booktubesff
Brandon Sandersons Most Overlooked Book Series the library ladder 2022-01-15 | Have the information overlords conspired to hide from us a certain book series Brandon Sanderson began writing early in his career? He's still writing it, and the final book in this sometimes forgotten series is scheduled to be published later this year.This is a video review of that series. I try to avoid spoilers, so it's light on plot details.Other videos introducing different parts of my book collection are linked below.Channel Overview: youtu.be/KRNfov1qH10Children’s Books Overview: youtu.be/G2vc15mSpHMScience Fiction Overview: youtu.be/W2LdYtDl6OkFantasy Overview: youtu.be/qGu7DZNyv1EMystery Overview: youtu.be/BoDyF0XF3PEAdventure Overview: youtu.be/2Qog48AEREsHorror and Weird Fiction Overview: youtu.be/MrDGibCAYncLiterature Overview: youtu.be/7T_XlTnGtJEAntiquarian Nonfiction Overview: youtu.be/MIRje1_14_EIllustrated Books Overview: youtu.be/oPiZqPVY53cBrandon Sanderson is one of today’s best fantasy writers. His works set in the Cosmere universe, such as Elantris, Mistborn and the Stormlight Archive, are outstanding, and his efforts to complete Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series after Jordan’s untimely death really salvaged that series.Artwork credits for this video:the17thshard.comAscindi (@tumbler)DisneyXDSpoiler down below: This is a review of the Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians series.Disclaimer: This reviewer does not believe the premise of the book series. I have several librarian friends, and I can personally attest that most of them are not evil, and I don't think they're conspiring to hide these books from the Hushlands.#booktube #booktubesff #childrensbooks #middlegrade #middlegradebooks
The Final Chronicles of Thomas Covenant Is an Epic Failure the library ladder 2021-12-28 | This is the third of three videos discussing The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, by Stephen R. Donaldson, one of the foundational epic fantasy series of the genre (and one of the most polarizing). In this video, I cover the Third (and Last) Chronicles, published between 2004 and 2013, consisting of The Runes of the Earth, Fatal Revenant, Against All Things Ending and The Last Dark. Please note that I've tried to keep the review spoiler-free, so there isn't much discussion of plot details.0:21 Initial reaction0:47 Pre-read misgivings1:46 Undisciplined and tedious writing style3:13 Donaldson doesn't trust his readers3:53 Frustrating bait and switch tactics4:36 Excessive navel gazing5:46 'Retconning' the first two trilogies6:36 Antagonist overkill8:22 Deus ex machina8:55 Predictable plot resolution9:18 Annoying protagonists10:35 Unmemorable supporting characters11:36 Overarching themes?12:27 ConclusionLinks to my reviews of the First and Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant:First Chronicles: youtu.be/ir9tAWHqkGgSecond Chronicles: youtu.be/IZNgahJniIUOther videos introducing different parts of my book collection are linked below.Channel Overview: youtu.be/KRNfov1qH10Children’s Books Overview: youtu.be/G2vc15mSpHMScience Fiction Overview: youtu.be/W2LdYtDl6OkFantasy Overview: youtu.be/qGu7DZNyv1EMystery Overview: youtu.be/BoDyF0XF3PEAdventure Overview: youtu.be/2Qog48AEREsHorror and Weird Fiction Overview: youtu.be/MrDGibCAYncLiterature Overview: youtu.be/7T_XlTnGtJEAntiquarian Nonfiction Overview: youtu.be/MIRje1_14_EIllustrated Books Overview: youtu.be/oPiZqPVY53cArtwork credits for this video:mirk0.deviantartlazyladyleo.deviantartzorm.deviantartStephen FabianSeareachKaukomieli at gapintomirrorland.fandom.comgapintomirrorland.wikia.com#booktube #booktubesff
Are the Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant Essential Reads? the library ladder 2021-12-23 | This is the second of three videos discussing The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, by Stephen R. Donaldson, one of the foundational epic fantasy series of the genre (and one of the most polarizing). In this video, I cover the Second Chronicles, published between 1980 and 1983, consisting of The Wounded Land, The One Tree, and White Gold Wielder. Please note that I've tried to keep the review spoiler-free, so there isn't much discussion of plot details.0:39 Plot overview0:50 New protagonist1:20 Similarity to the First Chronicles1:42 Thoughts about the books2:59 Flaws are bigger and more annoying4:08 Would I recommend the books?Links to my reviews of the First and Third Chronicles of Thomas Covenant:First Chronicles: youtu.be/ir9tAWHqkGgThird (and Last) Chronicles: youtu.be/Dcqs-ceM2fEOther videos introducing different parts of my book collection are linked below.Channel Overview: youtu.be/KRNfov1qH10Children’s Books Overview: youtu.be/G2vc15mSpHMScience Fiction Overview: youtu.be/W2LdYtDl6OkFantasy Overview: youtu.be/qGu7DZNyv1EMystery Overview: youtu.be/BoDyF0XF3PEAdventure Overview: youtu.be/2Qog48AEREsHorror and Weird Fiction Overview: youtu.be/MrDGibCAYncLiterature Overview: youtu.be/7T_XlTnGtJEAntiquarian Nonfiction Overview: youtu.be/MIRje1_14_EIllustrated Books Overview: youtu.be/oPiZqPVY53cArtwork credits for this video:mirk0.deviantartlazyladyleo.deviantartdarthiggy.deviantartzorm.deviantartFugazi1968SeareachAllen Morris
Are the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant Essential Reads? (Part 1 of 3) the library ladder 2021-12-12 | The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, by Stephen R. Donaldson, is one of the foundational epic fantasy series of the genre. It’s also one of the most polarizing. This is the first of three videos discussing the First, Second and Final Chronicles in the series. In this video I cover the First Chronicles, which were published as a trilogy in 1977 consisting of Lord Foul's Bane, The Illearth War, and The Power That Preserves. Please note that I've tried to keep the review spoiler-free, so there isn't much discussion of plot details.0:38 My introduction to Thomas Covenant1:35 What distinguishes the trilogy from earlier fantasy works?2:56 What makes the trilogy great?3:44 What's frustrating about it?4:31 How initial expectations can shape reader enjoyment5:01 Covenant isn't the protagonist in his own story5:27 ConclusionLinks to my reviews of the Second and Third Chronicles of Thomas Covenant:Second Chronicles: youtu.be/IZNgahJniIUThird (and Last) Chronicles: youtu.be/Dcqs-ceM2fEOther videos introducing different parts of my book collection are linked below.Channel Overview: youtube.com/watch?v=KRNfov1qH10Children’s Books Overview: youtu.be/G2vc15mSpHMScience Fiction Overview: youtu.be/W2LdYtDl6OkFantasy Overview: youtu.be/qGu7DZNyv1EMystery Overview: youtu.be/BoDyF0XF3PEAdventure Overview: youtu.be/2Qog48AEREsHorror and Weird Fiction Overview: youtu.be/MrDGibCAYncLiterature Overview: youtu.be/7T_XlTnGtJEAntiquarian Nonfiction Overview: youtu.be/MIRje1_14_EIllustrated Books Overview: youtu.be/oPiZqPVY53cArtwork credits for this video:mirk0.deviantartAllen Morris#booktube #booktubesff
