The 4th book in the Swords series is a book of two halves, one set at the top of Nehwon in the titantic mountain range of the north and the other at the virtual bottom in the underground burrows of Quarmall. The two novellas which form the bulk of the book share a darker tone while the short stories which form the preludes are in the more familiar witty Swords style.

In his Author's Note Leiber points to Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser's precedents in the work of James Branch Cabell and E. R. Eddison. Indeed the series is a mixture of Cabellian wry humour and Eddisonian high adventure and this contributes greatly to the quality of the whole series. ( )

Not bad. When I read it as a teenage nerd, I really enjoyed it. Later, not as much. ( )

The fourth of Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and Gray Mouser novels, SWORDS AGAINST WIZARDRY is actually two novellas, one pitting the duo against the icy mountains of the Northern Waste, the other detailing their service to the scheming wizard-lords of the underground kingdom of Quarmall. Several short vignettes introduce and link the two stories. The book is a good piece of escapist fiction, but one shouldn't read it in search of enlightenment or cultural enrichment. ( )

Fritz Lieber's Lankhmar series involving Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser is the origin of a great deal of Dungeons and Dragon material. Arguably the archetype fantasy role-playing series. ( )

Here, our two strapping heroes encounter one of the problems common to barbarian swordsmen and their companions. Too much magic. Wizards, sorcerers, sorceresses, all can be a big pain. Fafhrd and the Mouser go to a lot of trouble to climb mountains, get really cold, and try and accumulate a spot of treasure.

Swords Against Wizardy : 01 In the Witch's Tent - Fritz Leiber
Swords Against Wizardy : 02 Stardock - Fritz Leiber
Swords Against Wizardy : 03 The Two Best Thieves in Lankhmar - Fritz Leiber
Swords Against Wizardy : 04 The Lords of Quarmall - Fritz Leiber and Harry Otto Fischer

Witchiepoo advice and tent relief.

3.5 out of 5

Mountain climbing race, with icecat.

4 out of 5

The local finest loving duo of purloiners scorns boys and their beer.

4 out of 5

Underground sorcerous power struggles, and wizardly fraternity is vexing.

4 out of 5

http://superprose.blogspot.com/2006/1... ( )