[Zsinj16]

I've heard of Ed Greenwood a lot before. Some people have mentioned that he's a good fantasy author, and a lot of people just hate him and say he's awful at writing fantasy novels.
So, what I would like to know is what are the opinions of people on this board about Ed Greenwood?

[Qin]

It's to his credit that he created the Forgotten Realms, which is the most highly played AD&D universe. It's also to his disadvantage that he happens to be a terrible writer. But one balances out the other, eh?

[vexed2002]

I quite like Greenwood, particularly his early Elminster stuff.. At the end of the day its like the rest of the Forgotten Realms stuff, Drizzt Et Al.. just simple light reading that you'll get an occasional laugh from.

Pick up "Elminster: Making Of A Mage" and read the first chapter, if you don't like it.. don't bother with any of his other stuff http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

PK

[Corwwyn]

Ed Greenwood's only positive in my opinion (not necessarily shared by others) is that he is/was a prolific writer for AD&D and put out a lot of forgotten realms stuff.

Otherwise I dislike his stuff immensely, as pretty much everything seems geared to try and make him look high and mighty in the form of his snob pet Elminster.

Much of his stuff reminds me of those bad DMs who play in their own universe using their avataar in the form of an npc who always has the answers, right ability at the right time, etc., and rubs it into everyone else who get relegated to bit players, rather than the stars they should be.

Apologies for the above sounding a bit like a rant, but his stuff (apart from his better forgotten realms settings) really put me off AD&D somewhat.

[jbcohen]

Do you prefer his Forgotten Realms novels over his non-FR novels?

[MrKip]

Doesn't Ed Greenwood play in Radiohead?

[vexed2002]

Offtopic! (apologies)
MrKip: Shame on you! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif (assuming you didn't say that in jest), tis Jonny Greenwood that plays the guitar in Radiohead and a finer guitarist is hard to find.. (although Jack White from the White Stripes when playing live is incredible)