And sorcery no? Specially Elrics story and theme is the opposite of Conan. Elric doesn't want his right to rule, he regrets he has it, he gives it away even. He is weak of body without his drugs and magic to sustain him, the sword fixes that at a cost of changing him more and more, making him more reliant on it and having those episodes where he's possessed, like a druggie.
The marketing department botched the ads for The Citadel of Forgotten Myths. It's mostly new, but not completely. It's also not set early in his story, but very near the end. First off, Moorcock had fix-up novels that reworked some of his short stories and such to fit into a more consistent and coherent narrative. That's basically what happened with The Citadel of Forgotten Myths. The stories he fixed-up were Black Petals (2008, short story), Red Pearls (2010, short story), and White Steel (an unreleased novella that he'd been working on since 2013). These three stories were reworked and updated to make The Citadel of Forgotten Myths. Originally, Black Petals and Red Pearls took place between the Saga Press Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. So it WOULD have been correct. But in the reworking, the timeline of these stories shifted. Now it begins with Red Pearls, leads into Black Petals, and the majority of the novel is White Steel and they are all linked. This adventure NOW takes place AFTER Kings in Darkness and BEFORE The Caravan of Forgotten Dreams (aka The Flame Bringers), which are collected The Bane of the Black Sword. The Citadel of Forgotten Myths story slots right between these two tales, which are located in the Saga Press Vol. 2. Hopefully people see this. Moorcock himself has been in numerous interviews and tried clearing up the timeline location and doesn't know how or why it was advertised as being an early adventure when really it's almost his penultimate adventure. The dust jacket of the book even says it takes place near the end of his overall story, so it was really a failure on the press/marketing team's part. As for this being reworked stories, I haven't seen that advertised at all, so it was sort of a surprise, but also unsurprising because that's a thing Moorcock does all the time. Most of the series has been fix-up novels.
Thank God I found your comment. I've been looking for proper confirmation on Citadel's story placement. Now I'll know when to read it once I start the 2nd omnibus. Much obliged.
@@B3nKen0bi I'm glad! If you're doing a full read through with the Saga Press editions, might I make a recommendation? The Dreamthief's Daughter takes place after Revenge of the Rose and before Stealer of Souls. I felt it really worked there. Skrayling Tree and White Wolf's Son both take place near the end of Black Blade's Brothers (book 2 of Stormbringer), but I felt they read better AFTER Stormbringer.
By far my favorite fantasy character....the villain as protagonist concept thrilled me as soon as i read the first page.... you can have frodo ill take Elric everytime....now i think I need to listen to some old BOC......
Excellent, your copy arrived. I'll be getting mine next week, most exciting new release of the year for me. I agree with you, our greatest fantasy authors do not get the credit deserved, more people should know them and their creations. Michael Moorcock is my favourite fantasy author, Elric my favourite character, I'll be reading the Citadel of Forgotten Myths in continuity and reread all the Elric stories.
Hi! Can you give me your social media to contact you😊 I'm not a native English speaker but I enjoy reading books in English but sometimes it's too difficult to understand them. If you don't mind to help me a little(but in my mind I will evidently consider it like a lot) I'll be looking forward to your feedback to contact you!!!
@@khamzaliev3881 Hello, I do not use any social media. I leave comments & replies on TH-cam only, sorry this may not have been the answer you were hoping for.
Amazing, Elric is older than I am. And I have no doubt that Moorcock is still as sharp a writer as he was decades ago. Interesting that you should mention Conan in this video Michael because Roy Thomas wrote a Conan story in which the Cimmerian met Elric ("Conan The Barbarian" #14 and #15, 1972); with magnificent Barry Windsor-Smith art and colours. I have a number of Elric novels and collections from UK and US publishers printed in the 1970s and 1980s, only some of which I've read; trying to do so in the best order for the stories to fit Elric's timeline meant relying on Wikipedia, which so far has been accurate. I agree that there's a lot of great material out there for fantasy fans. Fortunately much is in the public domain and freely available online; unfortunately it would take a successful movie to get a character into the broader public consciousness beyond fantasy readers and that's an investment studios don't want to risk on an untried character (or even a tried one - the mess that was the Jason Momoa 2011 Conan movie means no-one will touch the character for a decade and a half at least).
Those hardbacks are enticing, as is the premise of Elric as a character. I often feel drawn to the Sword & Sorcery genre, and seek out videos on YT about it all the time, but the only S & S I've ever read was 'The Phoenix on the Sword'. So many genre and subgenre rabbit holes to dive down, yet so little time.
If I may be allowed a humblebrag, I'm working with Michael right now and I can confirm he's as kind, sweet, and gracious as you could want one of your literary heroes to be.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 Very much so! I can't wait to see people's reactions to his story in New Edge Sword & Sorcery #1 when it comes out later this year.
Have them in a Box with all 4 volumes one of my favourite pockets read when grow up Love those books ❤️ are soon 57 year so know what generation from Elric was a Hardrock band call Hawkind they dedicate album about Elric texts and music and Moorcock was on That album also he is a musician also 👍
Got my copy, too! Can't wait to (re)read this series. I did see a video by the Outlaw Bookseller who read an advanced copy (I think) and claimed, despite what MM said in the interview, Citadel actually falls between the last two Elric stories (Bane and Stormbringer). I'll be interested to find out more once more info/reviews appear.
I got my copy yesterday. Completes my set. I’m so glad they did these editions as I had never read Elric before. Really enjoying it so far. Glad you got your copy ordered before the dreaded 500 book challenge.
Great stuff! I enjoyed the recap. I read Elric decades ago and recall not liking it much. But I recently found 'The Elric Saga: Part 1' in hardback at a used book store and picked it up. Mostly for the cover art. Which was gorgeous. Going to give it another go some 40 years later and see if my first opinion was a bit rushed. Thanks again.
Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and Gray Mouser series were collected and reprinted into three book club editions. I'm happy to be an owner of them. They are the only hardbound editions of these, that I know of
Got my copy of this a few days ago, looking forward to reading it. But it doesn't quite fit between volumes 1&2 of the Saga Press books. It goes between The Bane Of The Black Sword and Stormbringer. I believe the publishers pre-publicity blurb got the placement wrong!
I will ALWAYSn ENVY americans and europeans you get these fancy book sets and my country barely get classics or fantasy sagas , i was introduces to Elric thanks to A song of ice and fire from George.R.R Martin he named Elric books as one of his inspirations for the saga , im on book 2 and i can see the many inspirations he took for the Game of thrones books , Elric is a very nice read and entertaining , and again how lucky americans and europeans are , you get like 46465 editions from classic titles and we get nothing but oh well thats life , im reading elric in english because theres no argentinian edition of the books (well theres one but its from the 80s and impossible to get on bookshops) , greetings from argentina
I've been kicking Elric along the path for years now but never quite getting to it - that's changing next year. Can't wait to see what Moorcock has to offer. I'd love to read more of his stuff afterwards if I like it but I'm hoping that the other series he has (which supposedly tie in due to some multiverse-like Champion thing?) get the same hardcover treatment.
I only have the last book to read as per the Gollancz editions. Right now, I don’t think I can stomach more Elric. But I agree with you at the disdain people look at anything written before 1990.
I'm not sure if you've read any Moorcock outside of Elric but I think youd really like both of his Von Bek stories (the war hound and the worlds pain, the city in the autumn stars). Hopefully you check them out
I know I'm late to the game with this, but thank you. I've been purposefully looking into older fantasy and fiction stories. That inspired some of the great ones simply because everything now is so poorly written. It's not worth reading. I saw this series and I saw that there had been so many publications. I wasn't sure which version to pick up first. So this really helped me know that these are the volumes. I'm gonna get thank you.
Yes! I do indeed remember Elric. However I believe the version that I read was put out by DAW books in the seventies. I also remember a companion series that Moorcock wrote. If memory serves me correctly it was something like "Corum".
There are (arguably) at least 3-4 companion series. The original 6 Elric novels tie in with the Erekose/Eternal Champion trilogy, the Corum 6-book series, and the Runestaff/Hawkmoon quartet and the grand finale Count Brass/Hawkmoon trilogy. Of course, if you want to do a real deep dive, literally everything Moorcock’s ever written has combined together, usually through including Elric. Here’s a reading order spreadsheet if you’re curious. You should be able to comment on it if you have any questions. :)
@@ryanb3665 It's nice to finally find a group that is familiar with the same books that I have enjoyed in the past. Thanks for jogging my memory as to the names. I could have gone up to my very dusty attic and found my copies, but truth be told, was too lazy. 😉
I'm glad to get these editions, but I'm hesitant to start reading it; the Library Ladder (great booktuber) thought a better reading order (as a way of introduction to Moorcock's Multiverse and the Champion Eternal) was to first read the Von Beck stories followed by John Daker, so I'm hoping I can find those books before I go into Elric. I've got "the Dragon in the Sword" and a couple of the Runestaff books so far - they're all frustratingly rare though. Hopefully Saga Press will do more of these.
I really should read the Elric stories. Maybe I'll try to read more sword and sorcery in general in the new year. Stormbringer reminds me of Nightblood from the Cosmere, also!
Read my 1st Elric novel in the late 1970s. Moorcock's Corum (The Swords Trilogy) was my 1st Fantasy literature so, quite naturally, Elric followed. The series has suffered from chronology malfunction, as you well mentioned and this new edition has put that in order... more or less. Obviously, these volumes were purchased by me as soon as they came out and have received a hero's welcome, i.e., the best shelf in my library. Nonetheless, a bit disappointed with their quality. Moorcock deserves better higher end treatment.
I’ve only read one Elric novel or story, it was something like a teen on earth doing drugs and listening to Jimi Hendrix or something like and he gets transported to wherever elric is. If I remember right that is. Not sure what the title was.
Do remember a paperback called Elric at the End of Time? I used to have a copy many years ago, but it doesn’t seem to be mentioned in the new line of books by Saga.
Elric ATEoT wasn't a Novel, per se but a collection of bits & bobs with EatEoT as an anchor (and WONDERFUL cover painting by Whelan) and was more thematically suited to the "anything goes" attitude of "The End of Time" series. It wouldn't really fit into the chronology, nor the general tenor of the proper series - you're not missing out. "The Stone Thing" however is *essential* reading for any Moorcock fan with more than one character of the Eternal Champion under their belt: especially Corum! (also in that collection)
Your review finally convinced me to buy these editions and get into the Elric series! Also, have you read Moorcock’s Corum novels? If so, would you consider reviewing them on your channel?
Introverted Conan. I think it’s the best SnS ever created n it’s criminal other media hasn’t made something great with just cast fassbender or cillian Murphy or chalamet ! not cavil pls
My introduction to Moorcock wasn't the Elric saga but rather a one-off, "Behold the Man", about Karl Glogauer, a time traveler who is mistaken for Jesus Christ (the novel did win the Nebula Prize). Moorcock devises a delicious time paradox there, but also explores the issue of fate, because the time traveler tries very hard to NOT be Jesus (knowing where things are going), but still ends up, well, hanging around if you'll pardon the pun. I like Moorcock's efficient style and his unsparing view of life, which is that it's full of pain and also too short. Moorcock was one of the first SFF writers who portrayed flesh-and-blood protagonists, not really heroes, but just ordinary people with all their warts and wounds. I recommend "Behold the Man", of course, and it's an easy read at around 160 pages.
Personally, I rather enjoy the mostly unique format of a series of short stories, novellas, and novels that comprises the Elric Saga. The various dream sequences, plane walking, and alternate worlds and histories imply that there is no end to this character's stories.
The thing about Elric is that he is supposedly really intelligent but he does a lot of stupid things. Most egregiously putting Yrkoon on the throne as his regent (after Yrkoon's tried to take it from him.) Conan, who is viewed by some as just a muscular thug, would have had the good sense not to do that. It didn't ruin the books for me, but it sticks out. (And yes I know smart people do stupid things in the real world.)
Elric thinks his cousin will find being a ruler a tougher job than being a schemer. EG Setting a thief to catch a thief or the person who complains in charge to see how they manage.
To be fair that wasn't him being dumb he was being optimistic. He was convinced that when he beat his cousin, that he'd see him as a fit ruler and actually respect him. He didn't suddenly do it.
@@Elricsedricyes that's what he believed, personally i think Ariach was scheming this whole thing the ENTIRE time. The first and second betrayal. But even if he wasn't, as Yrkoon couldn't Summon Ariach, Elric could. Elric showed Yrkoon that he was capable of things even he couldn't do. Yrkon simply just tries it again however, like a rematch. It's also important to note, Elric never cared for the Ruby throne nor the power of the emperor of Melnibone and found it a tiring and boring waste of time.
Can't wait to see the Netflix version. Elric will make a guest appearance for a few minutes at the end of the season, so the show will mostly focus on his African-American Lesbian sister named Rey of Melnibone. She will be far stronger than Elric and will beat him up during his brief appearance, despite being stabbed by Stormbringer, which will have no effect on her as she has no soul. It will be both brave AND stunning, I'm sure.
New Elric novel, excellent news. I just finished comic book adaptation by Julien Blondel. btw, framed comic book page behind you, is it from italian comic whose protagonist is based in London?
This is getting disturbing. Your videos seem to have some kind of hypnotic influence over me, causing me to spend money I would otherwise be reluctant to part with. First CONAN, now ELRIC. I must make some kind of effort to resist in future. (Can't wait until the hardcover Elrics arrive, though). Merry Christmas! 🎅
I'm looking for information of this saga collection: how many are there? As far as I can see it's the 3 volumes, part 1-3, and this volume. Are there more?
I know you said the entire Elric saga was complete with volumes 1, 1.5 and 2 of the Saga Press Editions; so where does their volume 3 fit in? I already finished 1/3 of volume 3, so I know its pretty different than the other stories; but is it not considered in the main continuity?
Issues with his cousin !! Are we talking banjo playing here, or something less creepy ? 🤭🤭 Aren't all the fantasy classics getting cancelled ? The Elric saga is already worth a gazillion dollars 😭😭
Hi! Can you give me your social media to contact you😊 I'm not a native English speaker but I enjoy reading books in English but sometimes it's too difficult to understand them. If you don't mind to help me a little(but in my mind I will evidently consider it like a lot) I'll be looking forward to your feedback to contact you!!!
Does anyone refer to Moorcock's creations as "antiheroes"? Why not? Anyone who wields a vampiric sword, whether used against evil or not, is ...what? Practical? Certainly not morally principled.
David Bowie would have been the perfect person to portray Elric in a movie. They were perfect for each other. RIP Thin White Duke
hell nah
BOWIE loved Elric and MM.
He is called the Anti-Conan/-Kull, because:
• he starts out as a ruler
• he's physically weak and fragile
• he uses magic (potions)
@zatoichi4449 hahaha
And sorcery no? Specially Elrics story and theme is the opposite of Conan.
Elric doesn't want his right to rule, he regrets he has it, he gives it away even. He is weak of body without his drugs and magic to sustain him, the sword fixes that at a cost of changing him more and more, making him more reliant on it and having those episodes where he's possessed, like a druggie.
The marketing department botched the ads for The Citadel of Forgotten Myths. It's mostly new, but not completely. It's also not set early in his story, but very near the end.
First off, Moorcock had fix-up novels that reworked some of his short stories and such to fit into a more consistent and coherent narrative. That's basically what happened with The Citadel of Forgotten Myths. The stories he fixed-up were Black Petals (2008, short story), Red Pearls (2010, short story), and White Steel (an unreleased novella that he'd been working on since 2013). These three stories were reworked and updated to make The Citadel of Forgotten Myths.
Originally, Black Petals and Red Pearls took place between the Saga Press Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. So it WOULD have been correct. But in the reworking, the timeline of these stories shifted. Now it begins with Red Pearls, leads into Black Petals, and the majority of the novel is White Steel and they are all linked. This adventure NOW takes place AFTER Kings in Darkness and BEFORE The Caravan of Forgotten Dreams (aka The Flame Bringers), which are collected The Bane of the Black Sword. The Citadel of Forgotten Myths story slots right between these two tales, which are located in the Saga Press Vol. 2.
Hopefully people see this. Moorcock himself has been in numerous interviews and tried clearing up the timeline location and doesn't know how or why it was advertised as being an early adventure when really it's almost his penultimate adventure. The dust jacket of the book even says it takes place near the end of his overall story, so it was really a failure on the press/marketing team's part. As for this being reworked stories, I haven't seen that advertised at all, so it was sort of a surprise, but also unsurprising because that's a thing Moorcock does all the time. Most of the series has been fix-up novels.
Thanks! I really appreciate this information. It’s really helpful to get this explanation.
Thank God I found your comment. I've been looking for proper confirmation on Citadel's story placement. Now I'll know when to read it once I start the 2nd omnibus. Much obliged.
@@B3nKen0bi I'm glad! If you're doing a full read through with the Saga Press editions, might I make a recommendation?
The Dreamthief's Daughter takes place after Revenge of the Rose and before Stealer of Souls. I felt it really worked there.
Skrayling Tree and White Wolf's Son both take place near the end of Black Blade's Brothers (book 2 of Stormbringer), but I felt they read better AFTER Stormbringer.
Here's hoping that in a couple of years you make a video called "Elric: NOW the saga is complete".
Let’s hope!
By far my favorite fantasy character....the villain as protagonist concept thrilled me as soon as i read the first page.... you can have frodo ill take Elric everytime....now i think I need to listen to some old BOC......
Excellent, your copy arrived. I'll be getting mine next week, most exciting new release of the year for me. I agree with you, our greatest fantasy authors do not get the credit deserved, more people should know them and their creations. Michael Moorcock is my favourite fantasy author, Elric my favourite character, I'll be reading the Citadel of Forgotten Myths in continuity and reread all the Elric stories.
Hi! Can you give me your social media to contact you😊 I'm not a native English speaker but I enjoy reading books in English but sometimes it's too difficult to understand them. If you don't mind to help me a little(but in my mind I will evidently consider it like a lot) I'll be looking forward to your feedback to contact you!!!
@@khamzaliev3881 Hello, I do not use any social media. I leave comments & replies on TH-cam only, sorry this may not have been the answer you were hoping for.
Amazing, Elric is older than I am. And I have no doubt that Moorcock is still as sharp a writer as he was decades ago. Interesting that you should mention Conan in this video Michael because Roy Thomas wrote a Conan story in which the Cimmerian met Elric ("Conan The Barbarian" #14 and #15, 1972); with magnificent Barry Windsor-Smith art and colours. I have a number of Elric novels and collections from UK and US publishers printed in the 1970s and 1980s, only some of which I've read; trying to do so in the best order for the stories to fit Elric's timeline meant relying on Wikipedia, which so far has been accurate. I agree that there's a lot of great material out there for fantasy fans. Fortunately much is in the public domain and freely available online; unfortunately it would take a successful movie to get a character into the broader public consciousness beyond fantasy readers and that's an investment studios don't want to risk on an untried character (or even a tried one - the mess that was the Jason Momoa 2011 Conan movie means no-one will touch the character for a decade and a half at least).
I think that Conan comic was the first time I ran across Elric. He had that ridiculous pointy hat in that story!
The only suitable person capable of portraying Elric in a movie is no longer with us. David Bowie was perfect for role.
Those hardbacks are enticing, as is the premise of Elric as a character. I often feel drawn to the Sword & Sorcery genre, and seek out videos on YT about it all the time, but the only S & S I've ever read was 'The Phoenix on the Sword'. So many genre and subgenre rabbit holes to dive down, yet so little time.
Howard's Conan, Fritz Lieber's Lankhmar stories, and Moorcock's Elric stories are absolutely amazing and worth collecting.
If I may be allowed a humblebrag, I'm working with Michael right now and I can confirm he's as kind, sweet, and gracious as you could want one of your literary heroes to be.
Wow! That must be exciting.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 Very much so! I can't wait to see people's reactions to his story in New Edge Sword & Sorcery #1 when it comes out later this year.
@@OliverBrackenbury THE FOLK OF THE FOREST in 'New Edge S&S' mag'
Have them in a Box with all 4 volumes one of my favourite pockets read when grow up Love those books ❤️ are soon 57 year so know what generation from Elric was a Hardrock band call Hawkind they dedicate album about Elric texts and music and Moorcock was on That album also he is a musician also 👍
Got my copy, too! Can't wait to (re)read this series. I did see a video by the Outlaw Bookseller who read an advanced copy (I think) and claimed, despite what MM said in the interview, Citadel actually falls between the last two Elric stories (Bane and Stormbringer). I'll be interested to find out more once more info/reviews appear.
Yeah, my info on the placement was wrong. The Outlaw is correct, as usual.
I got my copy yesterday. Completes my set. I’m so glad they did these editions as I had never read Elric before. Really enjoying it so far. Glad you got your copy ordered before the dreaded 500 book challenge.
Me too!
Exactly the info I was looking to find regarding new books that came out. Thanks!
Great stuff! I enjoyed the recap. I read Elric decades ago and recall not liking it much. But I recently found 'The Elric Saga: Part 1' in hardback at a used book store and picked it up. Mostly for the cover art. Which was gorgeous. Going to give it another go some 40 years later and see if my first opinion was a bit rushed. Thanks again.
Nice overview of the character/history. I need to try some Elric!
You do!
The section towards the end when Xiombarg's thoughts are described for several pages is seriously trippy
You are so much of an inspiration tome. Many times I’ve sought out your finds on eBay or Amazon. Just want to say thanks.
You are very welcome! Thank you for the support!
Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and Gray Mouser series were collected and reprinted into three book club editions. I'm happy to be an owner of them. They are the only hardbound editions of these, that I know of
Got my copy of this a few days ago, looking forward to reading it. But it doesn't quite fit between volumes 1&2 of the Saga Press books. It goes between The Bane Of The Black Sword and Stormbringer. I believe the publishers pre-publicity blurb got the placement wrong!
Thanks Gavin! I appreciate that information.
I will ALWAYSn ENVY americans and europeans you get these fancy book sets and my country barely get classics or fantasy sagas , i was introduces to Elric thanks to A song of ice and fire from George.R.R Martin he named Elric books as one of his inspirations for the saga , im on book 2 and i can see the many inspirations he took for the Game of thrones books , Elric is a very nice read and entertaining , and again how lucky americans and europeans are , you get like 46465 editions from classic titles and we get nothing but oh well thats life , im reading elric in english because theres no argentinian edition of the books (well theres one but its from the 80s and impossible to get on bookshops) , greetings from argentina
I've been kicking Elric along the path for years now but never quite getting to it - that's changing next year. Can't wait to see what Moorcock has to offer. I'd love to read more of his stuff afterwards if I like it but I'm hoping that the other series he has (which supposedly tie in due to some multiverse-like Champion thing?) get the same hardcover treatment.
Yeah, me too.
I only have the last book to read as per the Gollancz editions. Right now, I don’t think I can stomach more Elric.
But I agree with you at the disdain people look at anything written before 1990.
I'm not sure if you've read any Moorcock outside of Elric but I think youd really like both of his Von Bek stories (the war hound and the worlds pain, the city in the autumn stars).
Hopefully you check them out
Yes, I definitely need to read Vin Bek.
His best work imho 😊
This is very interesting indeed. I do believe I am getting myself this one. This will serve my interests well. TY
I know I'm late to the game with this, but thank you. I've been purposefully looking into older fantasy and fiction stories. That inspired some of the great ones simply because everything now is so poorly written. It's not worth reading. I saw this series and I saw that there had been so many publications. I wasn't sure which version to pick up first. So this really helped me know that these are the volumes. I'm gonna get thank you.
I've got the Saga volumes 1-3 and reading Elric for the first time. Love it!
Excellent!
Elric is such a great series. ✊
Yes! I do indeed remember Elric. However I believe the version that I read was put out by DAW books in the seventies. I also remember a companion series that Moorcock wrote. If memory serves me correctly it was something like "Corum".
Those DAW books are how I learned Elric in the early 80s.
There are (arguably) at least 3-4 companion series. The original 6 Elric novels tie in with the Erekose/Eternal Champion trilogy, the Corum 6-book series, and the Runestaff/Hawkmoon quartet and the grand finale Count Brass/Hawkmoon trilogy.
Of course, if you want to do a real deep dive, literally everything Moorcock’s ever written has combined together, usually through including Elric.
Here’s a reading order spreadsheet if you’re curious. You should be able to comment on it if you have any questions. :)
@@ryanb3665 It's nice to finally find a group that is familiar with the same books that I have enjoyed in the past. Thanks for jogging my memory as to the names. I could have gone up to my very dusty attic and found my copies, but truth be told, was too lazy. 😉
I'm glad to get these editions, but I'm hesitant to start reading it; the Library Ladder (great booktuber) thought a better reading order (as a way of introduction to Moorcock's Multiverse and the Champion Eternal) was to first read the Von Beck stories followed by John Daker, so I'm hoping I can find those books before I go into Elric. I've got "the Dragon in the Sword" and a couple of the Runestaff books so far - they're all frustratingly rare though. Hopefully Saga Press will do more of these.
Try looking into getting the White Wolf omnibuses or the more recent Gollancz Moorcock Collection editions. Best of luck!
Yeah, I’m missing a lot of Moorcock’s other fantasy, unfortunately.
I got the first volume on ebook for really cheap. The whole set is really cheap on eBook but the first volume was on sale for a while.
I really should read the Elric stories. Maybe I'll try to read more sword and sorcery in general in the new year. Stormbringer reminds me of Nightblood from the Cosmere, also!
Thank you.
I have all three Saga Press Omnibuses in audio, but I've yet to pick up Citadel
Read my 1st Elric novel in the late 1970s. Moorcock's Corum (The Swords Trilogy) was my 1st Fantasy literature so, quite naturally, Elric followed.
The series has suffered from chronology malfunction, as you well mentioned and this new edition has put that in order... more or less.
Obviously, these volumes were purchased by me as soon as they came out and have received a hero's welcome, i.e., the best shelf in my library. Nonetheless, a bit disappointed with their quality. Moorcock deserves better higher end treatment.
He does.
I’ve only read one Elric novel or story, it was something like a teen on earth doing drugs and listening to Jimi Hendrix or something like and he gets transported to wherever elric is. If I remember right that is. Not sure what the title was.
Do remember a paperback called Elric at the End of Time? I used to have a copy many years ago, but it doesn’t seem to be mentioned in the new line of books by Saga.
Elric at the End of Time can be found in the eternal champion antholgy, Tales From the End of Time.
Elric ATEoT wasn't a Novel, per se but a collection of bits & bobs with EatEoT as an anchor (and WONDERFUL cover painting by Whelan) and was more thematically suited to the "anything goes" attitude of "The End of Time" series. It wouldn't really fit into the chronology, nor the general tenor of the proper series - you're not missing out.
"The Stone Thing" however is *essential* reading for any Moorcock fan with more than one character of the Eternal Champion under their belt: especially Corum! (also in that collection)
Your review finally convinced me to buy these editions and get into the Elric series! Also, have you read Moorcock’s Corum novels? If so, would you consider reviewing them on your channel?
Corum is wonderful and under-regarded; a great call!
Corum is excellent, and in my opinion way better than the Elric saga.
I remember Corum being really good. I need to read those books again.
Maybe there can be a video on Moorcock’s stories of Mars.
NOBODY talks about Kane of 'Ol Mars!
I really have to read those again. Once I do I’ll definitely talk about them.
Introverted Conan. I think it’s the best SnS ever created n it’s criminal other media hasn’t made something great with just cast fassbender or cillian Murphy or chalamet ! not cavil pls
as much as i love elric, corum i love even more.
I’ve been itching to read at least one volume of Elric, but it has eluded me for whatever reason. Got to remedy that.
My introduction to Moorcock wasn't the Elric saga but rather a one-off, "Behold the Man", about Karl Glogauer, a time traveler who is mistaken for Jesus Christ (the novel did win the Nebula Prize). Moorcock devises a delicious time paradox there, but also explores the issue of fate, because the time traveler tries very hard to NOT be Jesus (knowing where things are going), but still ends up, well, hanging around if you'll pardon the pun. I like Moorcock's efficient style and his unsparing view of life, which is that it's full of pain and also too short. Moorcock was one of the first SFF writers who portrayed flesh-and-blood protagonists, not really heroes, but just ordinary people with all their warts and wounds. I recommend "Behold the Man", of course, and it's an easy read at around 160 pages.
Breakfast in the Ruins is the sequel and IMHO a better book.
@@philipebbrell2793 There's also a great Moorcock-centric podcast by the same name!
I started reading MM Elric novels in 74. My question is, what was Stormbringer's sister sword Mourneblade capabilities?
Having been born in 1961 myself, I can attest that Elric is not 100 years old. 🧐
Wait a minute Moore’s done an Elric thing?
I read the series back in the 80’s. I had no idea that is how to pronounce “Melniboné”.
I think it is actually pronounced more like "Melnibonay"
Personally, I rather enjoy the mostly unique format of a series of short stories, novellas, and novels that comprises the Elric Saga. The various dream sequences, plane walking, and alternate worlds and histories imply that there is no end to this character's stories.
The thing about Elric is that he is supposedly really intelligent but he does a lot of stupid things. Most egregiously putting Yrkoon on the throne as his regent (after Yrkoon's tried to take it from him.) Conan, who is viewed by some as just a muscular thug, would have had the good sense not to do that. It didn't ruin the books for me, but it sticks out. (And yes I know smart people do stupid things in the real world.)
Elric thinks his cousin will find being a ruler a tougher job than being a schemer. EG Setting a thief to catch a thief or the person who complains in charge to see how they manage.
To be fair that wasn't him being dumb he was being optimistic. He was convinced that when he beat his cousin, that he'd see him as a fit ruler and actually respect him. He didn't suddenly do it.
@@Elricsedricyes that's what he believed, personally i think Ariach was scheming this whole thing the ENTIRE time. The first and second betrayal.
But even if he wasn't, as Yrkoon couldn't Summon Ariach, Elric could. Elric showed Yrkoon that he was capable of things even he couldn't do. Yrkon simply just tries it again however, like a rematch.
It's also important to note, Elric never cared for the Ruby throne nor the power of the emperor of Melnibone and found it a tiring and boring waste of time.
I'm still waiting for mine.
thanks
MM has already written another Elric story! See NEW EDGE SWORD & SORCERY.
Damn. So Elric needs to take potions due to failing health? I’m sure that has nothing to do with Moorcocks own journey with ageing and whatnot haha
Can't wait to see the Netflix version. Elric will make a guest appearance for a few minutes at the end of the season, so the show will mostly focus on his African-American Lesbian sister named Rey of Melnibone. She will be far stronger than Elric and will beat him up during his brief appearance, despite being stabbed by Stormbringer, which will have no effect on her as she has no soul. It will be both brave AND stunning, I'm sure.
Stormbringer vs Dragnipur which is worse. Maybe you should do an episode based on fantasy swords.
Maybe I should.
New Elric novel, excellent news. I just finished comic book adaptation by Julien Blondel.
btw, framed comic book page behind you, is it from italian comic whose protagonist is based in London?
Dylan Dog, yes!
This is getting disturbing. Your videos seem to have some kind of hypnotic influence over me, causing me to spend money I would otherwise be reluctant to part with. First CONAN, now ELRIC. I must make some kind of effort to resist in future. (Can't wait until the hardcover Elrics arrive, though). Merry Christmas! 🎅
Sorry for causing the hypnotic spending! They are great books though !
Ah Eric, a ruler who destroyed his empire. Leads barbarians to his city. Kills the women who loved him. What a hero.
A fan of Michael Moorcock here. Will find this book i guess.
Its been awhile but I think i read nearly every book published by Michael Moorcock.
I'm new can tell me how many books elric saga has I'm currently reading the book 1
I will buy these soon ps what is that sherlock box set?
That would be The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes edited by Leslie S. Klinger. It’s fantastic.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 Are they any good?
Think you’ll ever do The Death of Superman?
One of these days.
i have those books on my wishlist on amazon lol
great how slayed Chaose the Dragon
Elric is superior in every way to Gonad the Barbarian.
I’m a bit confused by the Del Rey versions. So do the Del Rey ones have different stories than the new published books that contain the 6 main novels?
That’s for an informative video
I'm looking for information of this saga collection: how many are there? As far as I can see it's the 3 volumes, part 1-3, and this volume. Are there more?
Yes, three volumes and the new novel.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 Thank you, and lucky me, my local book store has all 4.
If only I weren't on a book buying ban
Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser!!
I know you said the entire Elric saga was complete with volumes 1, 1.5 and 2 of the Saga Press Editions; so where does their volume 3 fit in? I already finished 1/3 of volume 3, so I know its pretty different than the other stories; but is it not considered in the main continuity?
eater of souls
How much money do you spend on books per year you think?
Never ask a woman her age, a man his wage, and a bibliophile how much he spends on books!
Too much.
Issues with his cousin !! Are we talking banjo playing here, or something less creepy ? 🤭🤭 Aren't all the fantasy classics getting cancelled ? The Elric saga is already worth a gazillion dollars 😭😭
Hi! Can you give me your social media to contact you😊 I'm not a native English speaker but I enjoy reading books in English but sometimes it's too difficult to understand them. If you don't mind to help me a little(but in my mind I will evidently consider it like a lot) I'll be looking forward to your feedback to contact you!!!
I would say full banjo 🪕 for that relationship.
Didn’t make it past your introduction
Does anyone refer to Moorcock's creations as "antiheroes"? Why not? Anyone who wields a vampiric sword, whether used against evil or not, is ...what? Practical? Certainly not morally principled.
dont tell ANYONE about elric. Hollywood will kill him
Elric is it interesting character Yeah I can see why the Witcher is a stray of rip-off of this character.