Best History & Criticism Fantasy Books
Here you will get Best History & Criticism Fantasy Books For you.This is an up-to-date list of recommended books.
1. Around the world in Eighty days: A Jules Verne's Classic Novel With 55 Original Illustrations (100th Anniversary Collection Edition, #1)
Author: by Jules Verne
B09328FD5F
English
255 pages
Anything one man can imagine, other men can make real. Jules Verne, Around the World in Eighty DaysThis beautiful unabridgededition contains 55 illustrations from the 1873 English first edition. Around the World in Eighty Days is a classic adventure novel by the French writer Jules Verne, published in 1873.
In the story, Phileas Fogg of London and his newly employed French valet Passepartout attempt to circumnavigate the world in 80 days on a 20,000 wager (roughly 1. 6 million today) set by his friends at the Reform Club. It is one of Verne’s most acclaimed works.
The story starts in London on Tuesday, October 1, 1872. Fogg is a rich English gentleman living in solitude. Despite his wealth, Fogg lives a modest life with habits carried out with mathematical precision. Very little can be said about his social life other than that he is a member of the Reform Club.
Having dismissed his former valet, James Foster, for bringing him shaving water at 84 F (29 C) instead of 86 F (30 C), Fogg hires a Frenchman by the name of Jean Passepartout as a replacement. At the Reform Club, Fogg gets involved in an argument over an article in The Daily Telegraph stating that with the opening of a new railway section in India, it is now possible to travel around the world in 80 days.
2. Frankenstein: The Original 1818 text of Mary Shelley (200th Anniversary Collection Classics Edition, #1)
Author: by Mary Shelley
B092P6WYNV
English
172 pages
Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful. Mary Shelley, Frankenstein. This is a original 1818 text edition of Frankenstein. Frankenstein is a novel written by English author Mary Shelley about eccentric scientist Victor Frankenstein, who creates a grotesque creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment.
Shelley started writing the story when she was eighteen, and the novel was published when she was twenty. Shelley had travelled through Europe in 1814, journeying along the river Rhine in Germany with a stop in Gernsheim which is just 17 km (10 mi) away from Frankenstein Castle, where two centuries before an alchemist was engaged in experiments.
Later, she traveled in the region of Geneva (Switzerland)where much of the story takes placeand the topics of galvanism and other similar occult ideas were themes of conversation among her companions, particularly her lover and future husband, Percy Shelley.
Mary, Percy, Lord Byron, and John Polidori decided to have a competition to see who could write the best horror story. Since publication of the novel, the name “Frankenstein” is often used to refer to the monster itself, as is done in the stage adaptation by Peggy Webling.
3. The Invisible Man
Author: by H.G. Wells
English
135 pages
1512091979
All men, however highly educated, retain some superstitious inklings.H.G. Wells, The Invisible ManThe Invisible Man is a science fiction novella by H.G. Wells published in 1897. Originally serialized in Pearson’s Weekly in 1897, it was published as a novel the same year.
The Invisible Man of the title is Griffin, a scientist who has devoted himself to research into optics and invents a way to change a body’s refractive index to that of air so that it absorbs and reflects no light and thus becomes invisible.
He carries out this procedure on himself and renders himself invisible, but fails in his attempt to reverse it. A practitioner of random and irresponsible violence, Griffin has become an iconic character in horror fiction. While its predecessors, The Time Machine and The Island of Doctor Moreau, were written using first-person narrators, Wells adopts a third-person objective point of view in The Invisible Man.
The novel is considered influential, and helped establish Wells as the “father of science fiction”.A True Classic that Belongs on Every Bookshelf!
4. The Modern Myths: Adventures in the Machinery of the Popular Imagination
Author: by Philip Ball
English
368 pages
022671926X
“Impressive….Rich in cultural history and imagination…. To Ball, mythic writing is where the conditions of irrationality, superstition, and enchantment persist: forms of wonder that depend on the disconnect between what we know for sure and what we simply believe.
New York Times Book Review Myths are usually seen as stories from the depths of timefun and fantastical, but no longer believed by anyone. Yet, as Philip Ball shows, we are still writing themand still living themtoday. From Robinson Crusoe and Frankenstein to Batman, many stories written in the past few centuries are commonly, perhaps glibly, called modern myths.
But Ball argues that we should take that idea seriously. Our stories of Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Sherlock Holmes are doing the kind of cultural work that the ancient myths once did. Through the medium of narratives that all of us know in their basic outline and which have no clear moral or resolution, these modern myths explore some of our deepest fears, dreams, and anxieties.
5. Fantasy Mapping: Drawing Worlds
Author: by Wesley Jones
English
126 pages
0988237539
Fantasy Mapping: Drawing Worlds teaches you the art of fantasy map-making and shows you how to draw your own eye-catching masterpiece. Fantasy maps are illustrations of fantastical and imaginary lands. Nothing pulls a reader into an enchanting world more than a fantasy map.
Whether you want to make a map for a role-playing game, a book, or you just want to learn how to draw one, this is the guide for you. Full of simple, step-by-step tutorials, this book is great for beginners.
Its straightforward approach is also perfect for the advanced artist wanting to discover new tips and tricks. Quickly master innovative skills and create unique, one-of-a-kind maps. In this book you will learn:World buildingGeographyDrawing techniquesMap construction The book showcases a treasure trove of original, never-before-seen maps that are sure to inspire.
Jump start your mapping journey and maximize your drawing skills. Make the maps you have always wanted! Written and illustrated by Wesley Jones, an artist, author, and an award-winning map-maker.
6. Family Don't End with Blood: Cast and Fans on How Supernatural Has Changed Lives
Author: by Lynn S. Zubernis
Smart Pop (May 9, 2017)
English
256 pages
How a Show, and the Support of Its Fandom, Changedand SavedLives Supernatural, a three-time People’s Choice Award winner for Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Show and Tumblr’s 2015 Most Reblogged “Live Action TV,” has made a name for itself by supporting and encouraging its fans to “always keep fighting,” and a memorable line from early in the show’s run, “Family don’t end with blood,” became an inspiring mantra for many who found community in the fandom.
In 25 powerful chapters written by Supernatural’s actors and fans, including series lead Jared Padalecki, plus special messages from Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, and Mark Sheppard, Family Don’t End with Blood: Cast and Fans On How Supernatural Has Changed Lives examines the far reach of the show’s impact for more than a decade.
Supernatural has inspired fans to change their lives, from getting “sober for Sam” to escaping a cult to pursuing life-long dreams. But fans aren’t the only ones who have been changed. The actors who bring the show to life have also found, in the show and its community, inspiration, courage, and the strength to keep going when life seemed too hard.
7. Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass: The Original Edition With Complete Illustrations By Sir John Tenniel (A Lewis Carroll Classics)
Author: by Lewis Carroll
B0948JY9RY
English
210 pages
She generally gave herself very good advice, (though she very seldom followed it). Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-GlassThis Beautiful edition contains complete original black and white illustrations from Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Sir John Tenniel.
Lewis Carroll’s novels Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (first published in 1865 and 1871, respectively) have entertained readers young and old for more than a century. Their magical worlds, amusing characters, clever dialogue, and playfully logical illogic epitomize the whit and whimsy of Carroll’s writing.
Alice in Wonderland is an 1865 novel by English author Lewis Carroll. It tells of a young girl named Alice, who falls through a rabbit hole into a subterranean fantasy world populated by peculiar, anthropomorphic creatures. It is considered to be one of the best examples of the literary nonsense genre.
The tale plays with logic, giving the story lasting popularity with adults as well as with children. Through the Looking-Glass is a novel published on 27 December 1871 by Lewis Carroll and the sequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865). Alice again enters a fantastical world, this time by climbing through a mirror into the world that she can see beyond it.
8. Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday The 13th
Author: by Peter M. Bracke
1845763432
Titan Books
English
‘Friday the 13th’ introduced moviegoers to a new kind of cinematic terror – shocking, visceral, and graphic. Spawning ten sequels, the series has become the most successful horror franchise. Illustrated with nearly 600 photos, archives and production materials, this volume is a visual memoir of the series.
9. The Star Wars Archives. 1977–1983
Author: by Paul Duncan
English
604 pages
3836563401
Star Wars exploded onto our cinema screens in 1977, and the world has not been the same since. After watching depressing and cynical movies throughout the early 1970s, audiences enthusiastically embraced the positive energy of the Star Wars universe as they followed moisture farmer Luke Skywalker on his journey through a galaxy far, far away, meeting extraordinary characters like mysterious hermit Obi-Wan Kenobi, space pirates Han Solo and Chewbacca, loyal droids C-3PO and R2-D2, bold Princess Leia and the horrific Darth Vader, servant of the dark, malevolent Emperor.
Writer, director, and producer George Lucas created the modern monomyth of our time, one that resonates with the child in us all. He formed Industrial Light & Magic to develop cutting-edge special effects technology, which he combined with innovative editing techniques and a heightened sense of sound to give audiences a unique sensory cinematic experience.
In this first volume, made with the full cooperation of Lucasfilm, Lucas narrates his own story, taking us through the making of the original trilogyEpisode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, and Episode VI: Return of the Jediand bringing fresh insights into the creation of a unique universe.
10. The Psychology of Final Fantasy: Surpassing The Limit Break
Author: by Anthony Bean PhD (Author)
Leyline Publishing
English
232 pages
“No matter how dark the night, morning always comes, and our journey begins anew.” – Lulu, Final Fantasy X. From its initial release in 1987, Final Fantasy has gone on to become one of the most beloved series of role-playing games in history.
With narratives revolving around grandiose stories of good versus evil, Final Fantasy has allowed us, as players, to witness heroic battles, experience hard-won victories, and create treasured friendships for almost 40 years. The Psychology of Final Fantasy guides gamers on a real-world quest of self-discovery so that they can surpass their own limit break.
And, as part of this examination, psychologists, clinicians, video game researchers, professors, and enthusiasts who love this franchise ask:How does the storyline in Final Fantasy grab and keep our attention for so many hours of gameplay? Why do the symbols in the game, such as crystals, magic, and weapons, hold meaning about our own psychological inner workings?
What are the feminine warrior and archetypes found in the game and how are they living in all of our everyday lives? How does playing Final Fantasy connect us with a larger sense of spiritual guidance as to who we are?
11. The Philosophy of Tolkien: The Worldview Behind The Lord of the Rings
Author: by Peter Kreeft
Ignatius Press
English
237 pages
While nothing can equal or replace the adventure in reading Tolkien’s masterwork, The Lord of the Rings, Peter Kreeft says that the journey into its underlying philosophy can be another exhilarating adventure. Thus, Kreeft takes the reader on a voyage of discovery into the philosophical bones of Middle earth.
He organizes the philosophical themes in The Lord of the Rings into 50 categories, accompanied by over 1,000 references to the text of Lord. Since many of the great questions of philosophy are included in the 50-theme outline, this book can also be read as an engaging introduction to philosophy.
For each of the philosophical topics in Lord, Kreeft presents tools by which they can be understood.Illustrated.
12. There'll Be Peace When You Are Done: Actors and Fans Celebrate the Legacy of Supernatural
Author: by Lynn S. Zubernis
Smart Pop (May 5, 2020)
English
304 pages
Fifteen years.Two brothers.Angels and demons. A story like no other. And one of the most passionate fan bases of all time. That’s Supernatural. There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done: Actors and Fans Celebrate the Legacy of Supernatural is an emotional look back at the beloved television show Supernatural as it wraps up its final season after fifteen unprecedented years on air.
With heartfelt chapters written by both the series’ actors and its fansplus full-color photos and fan illustrationsThere’ll Be Peace When You Are Done traces Supernatural’s evolution, the memorable characters created by its writers and brought to life by its talented actors, and the many ways in which the show has inspired and changed the lives of both its viewers and cast.
Both a celebration of Supernatural and a way of remembering what made it so special, this book is a permanent reminder of the legacy the show leaves behind and a reminder to the SPN Family to, like the series’ unofficial theme song says, “carry on.” Featuring chapters from Jared Padalecki (“Sam Winchester”) and Jensen Ackles (“Dean Winchester”), which include some of the most heartfelt and emotional things they’ve previously said about Supernatural that they want fans to rememberplus new reflections about Sam and Dean’s legacy, There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done also includes original contributions from: Richard Speight, Jr. (“Gabriel”) Chad Lindberg (“Ash”) Julie McNiven (“Anna Milton”) Tahmoh Penikett (“Gadreel”) Shoshannah Stern (“Eileen Leahy”) Rick Worthy (“Alpha Vamp”) David Haydn-Jones (“Arthur Ketch”) Lauren Tom (“Linda Tran”) And many more, including a special message from Misha Collins (“Castiel”) Edited by Lynn S.
13. Godzilla FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the King of the Monsters
Author: by Brian Solomon
Applause
English
376 pages
He is the Lizard King well, the King of the Monsters he can do anything. Since he first romped onto the silver screen in 1954, no other character in all of international cinema has been as beloved by American audiences as Godzilla.
Despite the modern film industry’s affinity for franchises and cinematic universes, he remains one of its most enduring and popular characters, with a total of twenty-eight motion pictures (not even including two American reboots! Under his massive belt. From his home base in Japan, where the legendary Toho Pictures first put him on the map, Godzilla has gone on to become an international phenomenon, a pop culture avatar, a movie monster unrivaled in both size and appeal.
The latest installment in Applause Theatre and Cinema Books’ FAQ series, Brian Soloman’s Godzilla FAQ is a broad and varied exploration of the monumental, fire-breathing radioactive lizard that has roared his way into our hearts over a sixty-year reign of terror.
By pairing a colloquial text with a wide array of illustrations and visual media, this 400-page survey encourages readers to drop in and out of the book, as every chapter serves as a self-supporting article on a given subject. Written by a lifelong Godzilla fan and pop culture critic, Godzilla FAQ offers a comprehensive rundown of every Godzilla film ever made, in-depth biographies of major players in the franchise’s history, and enough raw information to rebuild a ravaged Tokyo.
14. The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion
Author: by Wayne G. Hammond
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
English
894 pages
497 pages
061808357X
Price:
$13.29
as of Jul 13, 2021
(11:46 pm)
In this sixth volume of The History of Middle-earth the story reaches The Lord of the Rings. In The Return of the Shadow (an abandoned title for the first volume) Christopher Tolkien describes, with full citation of the earliest notes, outline plans, and narrative drafts, the intricate evolution of The Fellowship of the Ring and the gradual emergence of the conceptions that transformed what J.R.R.
Tolkien for long believed would be a far shorter book, ‘a sequel to The Hobbit’. The enlargement of Bilbo’s ‘magic ring’ into the supremely potent and dangerous Ruling Ring of the Dark Lord is traced and the precise moment is seen when, in an astonishing and unforeseen leap in the earliest narrative, a Black Rider first rode into the Shire, his significance still unknown.
The character of the hobbit called Trotter (afterwards Strider or Aragorn) is developed while his indentity remains an absolute puzzle, and the suspicion only very slowly becomes certainty that he must after all be a Man. The hobbits, Frodo’s companions, undergo intricate permutations of name and personality, and other major figures appear in strange modes: a sinister Treebeard, in league with the Enemy, a ferocious and malevolent Farmer Maggot.
