This is the first shared world anthology I've ever read back in the late 1970's, it may be the first ever published, lots followed like Wild Cards and Merovingen Nights two of my favorites.

My favorite stories from this first volume are Poul Anderson and Marion Zimmer Bradley, my favorite character is the thief Shadowspawn by Andrew Offutt who went on to write a standalone novel Shadowspawn.

This one paragraph from Anderon's story says more about the series then 10,000 words from myself could ever say.
Beneath a westering sun, the bazaar surged and clamoured. Merchants, artisans, porters, servants, slaves, wives, nomads, courtesans, entertainers, beggars, thieves, gamblers, magicians, acolytes, soldiers, and who knew what else mingled, chattered, chaffered, quarrelled, plotted, sang, played games, drank, ate, and who knew what else. Horsemen, camel-drivers, waggoners pushed through, raising waves of curses. Music tinkled and tweedled from wine-shops. Vendors proclaimed the wonders of their wares from booths, neighbours shouted at each other, and devotees chanted from flat rooftops. Smells thickened the air, of flesh, sweat, roast meat and nuts, aromatic drinks, leather, wool, dung, smoke, oils, cheap perfume. ( )

First read in 1982 I remember being really impressed with these morally ambiguous fantasy stories, an anthology with characters inhabiting a shared universe (Thieves’ World) and all stories occurring in the down-at-heel town of Sanctuary, which is similar to Leiber’s Lankhmar, but with a seedier feel.
Rereading them now, having recently read Janet Morris’ Tempus novels which are set in the same world, these original short stories are an enjoyable introduction to Thieves’ World, but are more memorable for each story being told from a different character’s point of view in the same setting, rather than the originality of the stories themselves.
Robert Asprin’s introduction, story and afterword describing the genesis of the anthology provide a useful framework for the stories as a whole, but this anthology now reads as good introduction to the series as a whole, rather than having any great stories in itself.
Contents:
• "Introduction" by Robert Lynn Asprin
• "Sentences of Death" by John Brunner
• "The Face of Chaos" by Lynn Abbey
• "The Gate of the Flying Knives" by Poul Anderson
• "Shadowspawn" by Andrew Offutt
• "The Price of Doing Business" by Robert Lynn Asprin
• "Blood Brothers" by Joe Haldeman
• "Myrtis" by Christine DeWees
• "The Secret of the Blue Star" by Marion Zimmer Bradley
• Essay: "The Making of Thieves World" by Robert Lynn Asprin ( )

The first stone in the Thieves' World, a setting created by Robert Lynn Asprin but co-developed by a multitude of writers. Thieves' World introduces the city of Sanctuary, the core area of this fantasy world - the recently changed political situation, as well as the human geography of the settlement are very satisfyingly elaborated on through the actions and minds of the 9 (counting also the introduction) stories' characters, each penned by a different author.

Thieves' World draws first and foremost upon the urban sword and sorcery fount of Leiber's Fafhrd and Mouser stories - Sanctuary could well be a slightly more civilized reflection of Lankhmar. However, instead of having a couple of central protagonists spanning the whole book, here each author focuses on different characters. That is not to say that each hero is isolated in her/his own story; several of the characters seep in other-than-their-own stories, creating a network of people that bring Sanctuary to life.

The writing doesn't flactuate much in quality throughout the stories, remaining in satisfactory levels, though I was left with the impression of a slightly ascending order peaking with the amazing and touching "Secret of the Blue Star". In general the language is quite direct and flowing, with tendencies towards the chaotic in some cases, as in the beginning of Blood Brothers which feels more like the draft of a theatrical script.

A solid urban sword & sorcery collection of short stories, founding a promising world. ( )

This short story collection has the following stories:
"Sentences of Death" by John Brunner;
"The Face of Chaos" by Lynn Abbey;
"The Gate of the Flying Knives" by Poul Anderson;
"Shadowspawn" by Andrew Offutt;
"The Price of Doing Business" by Robert Lynn Asprin;
"Blood Brothers" by Joe Haldeman;
"Myrtis" by Christine DeWees; and
"The Secret of the Blue Star" by Marion Zimmer Bradley.

There's also an essay about the creation of the book.

This collection is one that I had fond memories of. It was really the pioneering work for shared world building and eventually spawned a published RPG setting which I cheerfully used. Even my players loved playing in that world. Would the book hold up to my memories?

It did! Some stories I loved more than others. Poul Anderson, Andrew Offutt, Christine DeWees, and Marion Zimmer Bradley wrote my favorites. The setting was just as rich as I remembered with plenty of unsavory characters running around, along with some that have a touch of inner nobility.

The only downside is the scanning was less than perfect. Sometimes I struggled to decide what word they were aiming for. But this is a case where I am so glad to have the book again that I will overlook the ebook's flaws.

If you are a fan of fantasy short stories, this book should be on your "read now" list. If you are into RPGs, this book can fan the creative ideas you have. I highly recommend it. ( )

immoral, short stories ( )