Basement Whatever

Appendix N: Weird Tales from the Roots of Dungeons & Dragons. Older pulp fantasy is weird and interesting, and I think it’s because authors weren’t competing with cell phones. They expected the reader to fill in more with imagination. So they relied on plot less. This book absolutely delivers:

“In ages gone,” the Sage had said, his eyes fixed on a low star, “a thousand spells were known to sorcery and the wizards effected their wills. Today, as Earth dies, a hundred spells remain to man’s knowledge”

That’s from Jack Vance, one of the selections. He’s also the inspiration for Vecna and the D&D magic mechanic. I thought this book would overpromise, delivering a tepid selection of stories chosen without passion. Quite the contrary; the choices are excellent. Get it here.