"Here in your hand is the stuff of wonder," declared science-fiction author Poul Anderson, adding, "There are few such glorious romps in all the world's literature, and surely none that surpass this one." Unjustly overlooked for decades, this book lover's book has developed a devoted cult following and richly deserves a wider audience. Whether or not you recognize its scores of literary allusions, you'll savor its wealth of battles, quests, romances, songs, and laughter.