The Hidden Library of Tanith Lee

by Haut, Mavis

• ISBN13: 9780786410859
• ISBN10: 078641085X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-05-01
• Publisher: McFarland Publishing

Summary

Despite the great diversity of settings in Tanith Lee's novels-from the pre-historic origins of Christianity to robot-dominated futurescapes-certain underlying thoughts and references appear consistently. While adhering formally to many of the writing conventions of the fantasy, science fiction and horror genres, Lee also engages the meaning of myths of the Greeks (particularly Dionysos), Egyptians, Persians and Indians. The dynamics of magic, alchemy, shamanism, Gnosticism and reincarnation also surface frequently. This critical work examines Lee's highly original applications of such themes and subtexts. Less prominent themes are also covered, as well as her insights into human nature, her humor, her numerous tributes to literature, her comments on writing, her games with space, time and language, and her preoccupation with detail and background. Also included is an interview with Tanith Lee, a bibliography of Lee's work, a general bibliography, and an index.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	vi
Preface	1	(2)
Introduction	3	(4)
Acquiring Identity
The Birthgrave, Vazkor, Son of Vazkor (Shadowfire, 1) Quest for the White With (Shadowfire, 2)	7	(20)
Vis-Race and Myth
The Storm Lord, Anackire, The White Serpent	27	(10)
The Flat Earth-Mortals and Immortals
Night's Master, Death's Master, Delusion's Master, Delirium's Mistress, Night's Sorceries	37	(34)
In the Steps of the Goddess
A Heroine of the World	71	(19)
Reality, Love and Opposition-Science Fiction
Drinking Sapphire Wine, The Silver Metal Lover, Electric Forest, Day by sNight	90	(15)
The Fatal Object-The Secret Books of Paradys
The Book of the Damned, The Book of the Beast, The Book of the Dead, The Book of the Mad	105	(20)
Folk, Classic and Fairytale
Kill the Dead, Cyrion, Sung in Shadow, Volkhavaar	125	(13)
Works for Children
Prince on a White Horse, The Dragon Hoard, Princess Hynchatti and Other Surprises, Shon the Taken, East of Midnight, Companions on the Road, The Castle of Dark, The Winter Players, The Black Unicorn, The Gold Unicorn	138	(3)
Even Angels are Subject to Corruption
The Blood of Roses	141	(17)
Entering a More Familiar World
Sabella, Lycanthia, Heart-Beast, Elephantasm	158	(15)
The Blighted Future
Eva Fairdeath	173	(4)
The Blood Opera
Dark Dance, Personal Darkness, Darkness I	177	(9)
Conclusion	186	(1)
An Interview with Tanith Lee	187	(6)
Tanith Lee: Biographical Notes	193	(2)
Notes	195	(16)
Bibliography	211	(4)
Index	215