The Classic Fantasy Collection

The Classic Fantasy Collection

2017

Ratings1

Average rating3

15

A good showcase to see which classic fantasy authors one likes and which not.

Imho, the only ones here still retaining full literary value and impact for the modern reader are Lovecraft, Merrit and Howard, of which before I only knew Lovecraft.

Macdonald still holds some value, but not impact, and the rest neither, being too slow and convoluted (almost all), too vague (Machen), too archaic (Morris), too deep in humor that does not amuse us anymore (Bramah) or frights and wonders too lame for nowadays people (Chambers, Pendraves, Hearn).
A notable (negative) exception is HG Wells, whose fantasy stories (unlike his SF) I think never held none (value or impact, even for the readers of his time) and are righfully completely forgotten.

Worth reading, in enjoying its content? Mostly no.
Worth buying? Definitely yes, as a showcase to choose further readings (and avoidings).

April 27, 2023Report this review