Reviews

The Book of Wonder by Lord Dunsany

ketreads's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

This book contains various short anthologies, complete with their whimsical writing and fairytale warnings. The first couple took me a second to get used to his writing, often having long and often overly explanatory sentences. Once I was over the initial differences in his prose I found myself quite enjoying his works here.
They all had such interesting and complete feeling worlds, just showing as a mini snap-shot of a world that has been turning both before and after we leave. 

A very easy read, if a bit short, though I hear he has many other works I'd love to have a go at reading too.

spoth's review against another edition

5.0

An Irish lord, in the style of the King James Bible, wrote short stories that were a deep influence on Lovecraft, Tolkien, and Le Guin - this was 1920 or thereabouts, when there was very little fantasy tradition. The tales are short, barely sketched in, yet atmospheric at the same time. All doomed cities and terrible fates awaiting foolhardy thieves, and some fantastic bits that take place at the edge of the (flat) world.

tolkientalker's review against another edition

2.0

On the fence about this one. Definitely not for kiddos. There is dark humor (which is not necessarily terrible, it just wasn't what I was expecting) and horror. And to the latter, I have now read that this was a book that inspired Lovecraft...so I guess that's not that surprising.
But it definitely wasn't what I was expecting and though I would say it was fascinating (meriting probably more of 2.5 stars) it is not my style of fantasy.