[Skylark]

I am looking into purchasing some of Gene Wolfe's work, but my funds are limited.

I would appreciate input from those who have read his work as to what is a must have, and what I can put off until later. Please give me reasons why for your selections.

Thank you. :)

[thrinidir]

A must have?

The Book of the New Sun
1. The Shadow of the Torturer (1980)
2. The Claw of the Conciliator (1981)
3. The Sword of the Lictor (1982)
4. The Citadel of the Autarch (1983)

(the book of the new sun has been merged together in various omnibuses, Severian of the Guild being the latest).

Otherwise, Gene Wolfe has a big number of threads opened (or you could check in the recommendation thread) - use search function ;)

[Hobbit]

Most people would suggest that the group above Thrin has suggested is perhaps the best place to start. As has already been said, there are some nice omnibuses around of these books which should make them cheaper to buy.

In the same way, a lot of people like his Wizard/Knight book/s published fairly recently, which again are available both separately and as one book. Should be fairly easy to get.

Mark / Hobbit

[Bengoshi-San]

Gene wolf is really highly regarded in the Fantasy and Sci-Fi genre.

I bought The Knight and have yet to read it but have heard only good things. :)

[Ropie]

I would happily read anything Gene Wolfe has written, The Book of the New Sun and The Fifth Head of Cerberus are two of the best books I have read. Then again, his style is not for everyone. If you enjoy ornate, literary and thoughtful writing with depth and genuine meaning then you should probably read Wolfe. They are books you need to absorb and re-read.

[Arrgh]

New Sun is the best. I saw a new omnibus with all four volumes mentioned somewhere.

Oh, and he's big on unreliable narrators (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unreliable_narrator). I think some people don't realize that going in and it causes a lot of the "why did everyone recommend this guy?" threads.

[Bengoshi-San]

Hmm, many rave reviews for The Book of The New Sun, now I may have to pick it up. :D

[Skylark]

Thank you everyone for your input.

I have just ordered a copy of The Fifth Head of Cerberus. I decided to go with that one first because I found a cheap, used copy.

If I like it, I will then pick up The Book of the New Sun.

I do have an idea of what type of writer Gene Wolfe is. He was recommended to me because I am a fan of John Crowley's work.

Looking forward to possibly finding a new author to love. ;)

[Hobbit]

If you like Crowley, I can't see why you wouldn't like Wolfe.

Let us know what you think!

Mark / Hobbit

[Ropie]

Good choice, Skylark - there is a fairly interesting thread on TFHOC here (it was a SF bookclub choice a while back) but it contains some spoilers so beware!

http://www.sffworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16145