First Fantasy book you ever read/Introduction to Fantasy

My first fantasy I ever took in was the Neverending Story in movie form and the Narnia cartoons. First fantasy book I ever picked up and read was Dragon on a Pedastool by Piers Anthony in 4rth grade.
 
Introduction Book to Fantasy

After reading the post about what book hooked you onto fantasy (LOTR), it got me to thinking. I first read The Lord of the Rings in 1978, using my fathers copy of the book (which I still have). Tolkien's words created a world so etched into my mind that I knew what a hobbit, elf, dwarf or wizard looked like before even the animated movies came out. Now being an old-timer and seeing the technology, movies, games, etc, available to kids (and my kid, 10 years old) today, I was wondering what book you would recommend to tomorrow's fantasy fan.

Here's the catch, in order to give the reader a chance to see the world in thier mind's eye and let the author's prose create it you CANNOT suggest The Hobbit or The Lord of The Rings or Harry Potter.

I thought about it and because I want the reader to pick up another book because they WANT to and not because they HAVE to, I've eliminated Jordan, Martin, Eddings, Erikson.....series masters, et al.

I came up with a gritty sword and sorcery book that spawned may follow ups but every book gave you a statisfying ending WANTING more adventures of this one man empire....

Conan The Barbarian

What would you recommend???
[EDIT]
Remember:
-No age limits
-No trilogies/'noendities' required to finish story started in book one
-Just for fun, no specific person in mind, think of it as your one and only chance to show a person what fantasy really is.....
 
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Does it have to be adult fantasy or set in another world?

If not i'd say the Artemis Fowl books would be good for a ten year old.

If it does, perhaps the YA books by Dave Duncan. I've heard plenty of good stuff about his adult stuff.
 
His Dark Materials, The Neverending Story, Harry Potter and Roald Dahl are some good examples for the younger and/or impatient people. All are fast paced and eay to read, but have enough good ideas to keep just about anyone's attention.

If they'd like some bizarre fantasy, I'd reccomend Neverewhere, American Gods, White Apples, Bones of the Moon, The Portait of Mrs. Charbuque, or something along those lines.

If they'd like some hack and slash, swords and scorcery type, I'd reccomend Heroes Die and Blade of Tyshalle.
 
I would say Ray Feist's Magician. This book was originally writtern as a single book and then when it was a success had sequals writtern. But the book itself wraps up so u do not have to read more.
 
Some David Gemmell books, most likely the Rigante novels, Waylander and Echoes of the Great Song.
 
ummm..very good question there no series though okay than I would recommend Legend by david gemmel.
 
No, I would still suggest the Lord of the Rings. There is so much detail in that book the movies don't cover, and it's still in my mind the finest example of a fantasy story taking you another world.

The writing is a bit old-fashioned, but I'd still recommend it. Rules or not! :)
 
I know this goes against the guidelines for the thread, but I would still suggest David Eddings, The Belgariad. I have passed my copy onto three of my nephews and all have become serious fantasy fanatics. Its an easy read, the characters are humorous and the main character is your typical "Percival" type hero, who grows into his role as the tale unfolds. Garion is easily identifiable to young readers.

I cannot think of any stand-alone books I would recommend off-hand, though I will admit that I rarely read those types and specifically look for series to read.
 
Even though it's a series, I'd recommend The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.

I always kind of assumed Tolkien's Lord of the Rings was my first intro to Fantasy, but then I realized that I was obsessed with Narnia when I was about 11.
 
1001 Arabian Nights. For something more allegorical, The Little Prince. Among current popular works I'd also recommend Raymond Feist's Magician (which has since been split into two books) and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe chronicologically the first written book of the Chronicles of Narnia but the second going by the events in the series. Still, I consider it a far better starting point than The Magician's Nephew. It can also stand alone.
 
The Worm Ouroborous, and excellent and light read that any child would enjoy. Just kidding:D
Does Anne McCaffery's Dragonrider Series count? I know it's sci-fi, but it's set on a rustic planet of medieval tech.
I really liked Piers Anthony's Xanth. Any book will do, or even On a Pale Horse from his Incarnations of Immortality series.
 
I finally thought of one! The Princess Bride. Not deep, easy read, fun and exciting for a younger reader. Might be a good choice!
 
have to say enid blyton books like faraway tree series, narnia chronicles C.S.Lewis, snugglepot and cuddlepie (awwww), anne of green gables, and a whole load of unknown books with talking animals in them :P
 
I would look into the trilogy that Garth Nix wrote. Starting book is "Sabriel".

I believe alot of folks have agreed that this is for kids and adults alike! Enjoy!!:D
 
Here's a question for you out there, What is the very first Fantasy book you have read?

Myself I first started on Pawn of Prophesy by David Eddings.
I know that most people seem to dislike his writing but I think I will always love his books because before them I didn't even like to read.
 
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