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Rating: 
Summary: ETBR - Oxford Book of Fantasy
Review: 1. Reflections: Tom Shippey has tried to put together a book of stories from 31 of the most influential short story fantasy authors, while also paying attention to little known works. Does this collection stand on its own, or is it lacking something that would give it that 'classic' flavor?2. Thematics: Shippey maintains that a major theme is sword versus sorcery, barbarian versus wizard, realism versus magic. How does each story show this? 3. Characterization: This collection contains some of the most lovable characters of all fantasy literature, including Conan, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, Cohen, the Devil, and a whole plethora of individually crafted short story characters that are unforgettable. What is it that makes these characters so powerful? 4. Symbolism: Throughout all of the stories, mythology remains an important symbol. Nearly all of the stories hearken back to a previous time in which legends lived just as we live today. Would these stories stand on their own if that was taken away? 5. Authorship: Many of the stories represented are little known works, backshelf stories that have finally been given credit. Do these stories accurately portray the authors' legacy?
Rating:
Summary: ETBR - Oxford Book of Fantasy
Review: 1. Reflections: Tom Shippey has tried to put together a book of stories from 31 of the most influential short story fantasy authors, while also paying attention to little known works. Does this collection stand on its own, or is it lacking something that would give it that 'classic' flavor? 2. Thematics: Shippey maintains that a major theme is sword versus sorcery, barbarian versus wizard, realism versus magic. How does each story show this? 3. Characterization: This collection contains some of the most lovable characters of all fantasy literature, including Conan, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, Cohen, the Devil, and a whole plethora of individually crafted short story characters that are unforgettable. What is it that makes these characters so powerful? 4. Symbolism: Throughout all of the stories, mythology remains an important symbol. Nearly all of the stories hearken back to a previous time in which legends lived just as we live today. Would these stories stand on their own if that was taken away? 5. Authorship: Many of the stories represented are little known works, backshelf stories that have finally been given credit. Do these stories accurately portray the authors' legacy?
Rating: 
Summary: A great variety from well-known and lesser known authors
Review: diverse collection of fantasy short stories, including heavyweights such as H.P. Lovecraft, Ray Bradbury, and Larry Niven as well as other lesser-known but skilled writers. Some of the stories I just couldn't get into, such as "The Erl-King" by Angela Carter, and some dragged on a bit. However, others I now consider among my favorite short stories, such as "The Nameless City", my first taste of Lovecraft. Other favorites include "The Fortress Unvanquishable, Save for Sacnoth" written in 1908 by Lord Dunsany, "The Kings of the Sea" by Sterling Lanier, "Lila the Werewolf" by Peter Beagle, "Beyond the Dead Reef" by James Tiptree, Jr. and "Troll Bridge" by Terry Pratchett.
Rating:
Summary: A nice collection, but missing something...
Review: You cannot fault the stories selected here: we get a variety of them, all generally classics. I just can't help it, though... this book is missing some kind of spark. Basically the introduction is nice, but not deeply informative. The stories themselves are neither introduced or postscripted. While, as I say, you cannot fault the selection, the selections are all too safe for my taste. Lovecraft, Dunsany, Howard, Pratchet. Okay, safe ground. But there should have been some more risk taken here I think. James Branch Cabell instead of Dunsany, perhaps. Or Moorcock or LeGuin or Tanith Lee for Pete's sake. But the stories are all good and a good introduction (if you need it) or good sampling if not.
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