Author
Lord Dunsany
1878-1957
Lord Dunsany (1878-1957) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Lord Dunsany
The King of Elfland's Daughter
"The King of Elfland's Daughter" by Lord Dunsany is a fantasy novel published in 1924. When the people of Erl demand a magic lord, Alveric is sent to Elfland to win the hand of Princess Lirazel. Their union brings a son, but the fairy bride struggles to fit into the mortal world. As Lirazel returns to her father's enchanted realm, her lovesick husband embarks on a hopeless quest, while the Elf King contemplates extraordinary measures to reunite his daughter with those she loves.
The Gods of Pegana
"The Gods of Pegāna" by Lord Dunsany is a fantasy book published in 1905. This debut work presents a mythological universe centered on an invented pantheon of deities dwelling in Pegāna. Through interconnected short stories, Dunsany introduces Māna-Yood-Susha̅i̅, the supreme creator who sleeps while his drummer Skarl maintains eternal rhythm, and various "small gods" who govern life, death, time, and destiny. The book attempts to account for fundamental elements like the ocean and moon through original mythology, illustrated by Sidney Sime's artwork.
The Book of Wonder
"The Book of Wonder" by Lord Dunsany is a fantasy short story collection published in 1912. This unique work features fourteen tales written to accompany illustrations by Sidney Sime, who drew the pictures first. The stories transport readers to Dunsany's elementary yet terrible fantasy world, filled with jewel thieves, idolators, dragons, and mysterious creatures called gnoles. These tales influenced legendary writers like Tolkien and Lovecraft, showcasing Dunsany's imaginative storytelling that bridges the fantastical with psychological complexity and connections to the real world.
Time and the Gods
"Time and the Gods" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of short stories published in 1906. The book presents tales linked by Dunsany's invented pantheon of deities dwelling in the mystical realm of Pegāna. This second work by the Irish fantasy writer explores cosmic themes through imaginative mythology, featuring gods, mortals, and their intertwined fates. The collection influenced major fantasy authors including Tolkien and Lovecraft, and was originally illustrated by Sidney Sime with ten haunting black and white drawings that still reside at Dunsany Castle.
Fifty-One Tales
"Fifty-One Tales" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century, specifically in the period around the 1910s. This book explores a variety of fantastical themes and mythological motifs, delving into the realms of imagination and the human condition. Dunsany's work is characterized by its lyrical prose and rich imagery, reflecting a deep engagement with myth and the poetic tradition. The stories within "Fifty-One Tales" are diverse, each presenting unique narratives that often intertwine the mundane with the extraordinary. For instance, tales like "The Assignation" paint a vivid portrait of the relationship between fame and artistry, while "Charon" reflects on mortality through a conversation between Charon and the last shade of a man. Other stories, such as "The Death of Pan," evoke the themes of loss and the passage of time, emphasizing Dunsany's fascination with the fleeting nature of beauty and existence. Throughout the collection, the author employs a dreamlike quality, allowing readers to traverse imaginative landscapes populated by whimsical characters, symbolic events, and profound reflections on life, death, and creativity.
Don Rodriguez; Chronicles of Shadow Valley
"Don Rodriguez; Chronicles of Shadow Valley" by Lord Dunsany is a fantasy novel published in 1922. Set in a mythical golden age of Spain, this coming-of-age tale follows Rodriguez, a young man denied his family inheritance and sent forth to win his own estate and bride through skill with sword and mandolin. Accompanied by his servant Morano, Rodriguez embarks on extraordinary adventures that lead him deeper into the fantastical realm of Shadow Valley, where reality and myth intertwine.
A Dreamer's Tales
"A Dreamer's Tales" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of fantasy short stories published in 1910. This fourth book by the influential Irish fantasy writer presents sixteen tales of mysterious cities, magical curses, and strange prophecies. From mountains that trap climbers forever to abandoned cities whose souls speak to visitors, Dunsany weaves stories of ancient rulers, prophetic visions, and objects that tell their own histories. These dreamlike narratives explore themes of mortality, power, and the supernatural in richly imagined worlds.
Tales of War
"Tales of War" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of short stories written during the early 20th century, primarily around the time of World War I. The stories delve into the experiences of soldiers, specifically those from a village called Daleswood, capturing their camaraderie, fears, and reflections on home amid the backdrop of warfare. The opening of the collection begins with "The Prayer of the Men of Daleswood," which follows a group of soldiers from their small village as they face the chaos of battle. With only a few men left behind to represent the village, the narrative explores their shared memories and a desire to preserve their homeland's way of life amid the violence surrounding them. The soldiers decide that one of them should survive to tell the tale of Daleswood by carving their experiences into a chalk boulder, ensuring that the village's essence is remembered. This poignant moment captures the deep connection they hold to their past, creating a significant emotional resonance as they confront the uncertainty of their fates.
The Sword of Welleran and Other Stories
"The Sword of Welleran and Other Stories" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of short stories published in 1908. This groundbreaking fantasy work marks Dunsany's shift from mythological tales to heroic adventures in a more modern style. The twelve stories blend strange imagination with beautiful prose, featuring legendary warriors, enchanted fortresses, and supernatural encounters. A major influence on Tolkien, Lovecraft, and the sword and sorcery genre, this collection showcases what critics consider some of Dunsany's finest work—stories that captivate with their otherworldly charm.
If: A Play in Four Acts
"If: A Play in Four Acts" by Lord Dunsany is a dramatic play written in the early 20th century. The play delves into themes of choice, consequence, and the nature of reality through its exploration of time and fate. The primary character, John Beal, is presented with a crystal that possesses the power to let him revisit his past and potentially alter decisions, leading to introspective conflicts about his life and relationships. At the start of the play, we are introduced to John Beal and his wife, Mary, who reside in a modest suburban home. The narrative opens at a small railway station where John is prevented from boarding a train due to a railway worker named Bill, leading to John's frustration and unresolved feelings about an important missed opportunity. The scene shifts to John’s home, where he reflects on this event and interacts with Mary, discussing mundane matters that reveal their domestic life. A significant twist occurs when John encounters Ali, who gifts him the mystical crystal, presenting the possibility of altering his past—specifically, his decision to catch a train a decade earlier. This sets the stage for John's inner turmoil and the consequences of his choices, as Mary warns him against tampering with the past, highlighting the play's central theme of wrestling with the allure of making different choices.
Tales of Wonder
"Tales of Wonder" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of short stories written during the early 20th century, showcasing the author's unique blend of fantasy and philosophical musings. The stories leverage rich imagery and whimsical narratives, inviting readers into a world where dreams intertwine with reality, ancient lore meets modernity, and the boundaries of imagination expand. The opening chapters introduce various characters and settings, hinting at themes of enchantment, storytelling, and the essence of existence in a fantastical lens. The beginning of "Tales of Wonder" offers a glimpse into Dunsany's imaginative storytelling style, beginning with a preface that reflects on the nature of dreams amid the tumult of war-torn Europe. The first tale, "A Tale of London," features a hasheesh-eater who dreams of a fantastical London, rich in beauty and art, drawing both the admiration and envy of a Sultan. Each subsequent story incorporates elements of the mundane and the extraordinary, delving into concepts of time, fate, and the human experience—each woven with lyrical prose and vivid descriptions. Moreover, stories like "Thirteen at Table" and "The City on Mallington Moor" promise captivating journeys through mysterious realms and exceptional encounters, setting the stage for a collection that celebrates the wondrous and surreal aspects of life.
Five Plays
"Five Plays" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of dramatic works written in the early 20th century. This compilation features five plays, including "The Gods of the Mountain" and "The Golden Doom," showcasing Dunsany's rich use of fantasy, mythology, and poetic language. The plays explore themes of divinity, fate, and the human condition, often through the interactions of various characters caught between their desires and the forces that control their lives. The beginning of this collection introduces "The Gods of the Mountain," where a group of beggars, disillusioned by the misery of their city, discuss the decline of generosity and divine inspiration. As they lament the drowsy gods who fail to inspire the rich, a figure named Agmar appears, claiming to be a beggar but hinting at a grander scheme. The scene is infused with a sense of both hope and trepidation as Agmar suggests that they disguise themselves as gods to reclaim their dignity and perhaps influence the fortunes of the city. This opening sets the stage for Dunsany's thematic exploration of identity, societal roles, and the interplay between mortals and the divine.
Tales of Three Hemispheres
"Tales of Three Hemispheres" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of fantasy short stories published in 1919. This gathering of fourteen tales transports readers through mystical realms and strange encounters, from the exploits of Bwona Khubla to mysterious gods exacting vengeance. The collection culminates in three interconnected stories set "Beyond the Fields We Know," revisiting the exotic river Yann and introducing new wonders in forgotten streets and distant cities. Dunsany's imaginative landscapes blend Eastern mystery with fantastical invention.
Selections from the Writings of Lord Dunsany
"Selections from the Writings of Lord Dunsany" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of imaginative tales and plays written in the early 20th century. This anthology showcases Dunsany's unique blend of fantasy, mythology, and poetic prose, often steeped in themes of the ephemeral nature of beauty, the passage of time, and the influence of the divine. The works included exemplify his rich imagination, exploring fantastical realms, gods, and the human experience through allegorical narratives. The opening portion introduces the tone and depth of Dunsany's writing through various thematic threads. It begins with an introduction by W.B. Yeats, who reflects on the cultural changes in Ireland and Dunsany's role in presenting a new, imaginative spirit through his fables. This segment hints at the philosophical undercurrents within Dunsany's works, such as the interplay between humanity and the divine, as seen in excerpts like "The Gods of the Mountain." In this initial act, three beggars engage in discussions about the drowsy state of the gods and their own plight, suggesting a larger commentary on the socio-spiritual conditions of their world. As the narrative unfolds, it sets the stage for the intricate fables and plays that delve into fundamental questions of existence, identity, and the ceaseless march of time.
Unhappy Far-Off Things
"Unhappy Far-Off Things" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of prose poems and reflective essays written in the early 20th century, specifically in the aftermath of World War I. The work draws attention to the tragic consequences of war, focusing on the deep suffering experienced by the people and places affected by the conflict, particularly in France. This poignant commentary on loss and devastation captures both the physical ruins and the emotional scars left behind by the atrocities of war. In this evocative collection, Dunsany presents various scenes of destruction and melancholy, exploring the remnants of towns, gardens, and homes that once thrived but have now been laid waste. Through vivid imagery and careful reflection, he recounts encounters with desolate landscapes and individuals grappling with their profound losses. The narratives expose the harsh reality of civilization's fragility in the face of conflict, and Dunsany's poetic style enhances the emotional weight, allowing readers to feel the depth of despair alongside the fleeting beauty of nature reclaiming its domain over abandoned places. Ultimately, the book serves as a powerful tribute to the forgotten lives and stories overshadowed by the march of war.
Plays of Near & Far
"Plays of Near & Far" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of dramatic works written in the early 20th century. This anthology presents a blend of fantasy and allegory, showcasing Dunsany's unique style, characterized by elaborate language and imaginative settings. The plays explore fantastical themes, often touching upon mythology, existential questions, and the nature of power through allegorical tales and rich characters. The opening of the collection begins with a preface in which Dunsany explains his rationale for publishing his plays, despite traditionally allowing them to be judged by live audiences first. He offers insights into three specific plays: "The Compromise of the King of the Golden Isles," "The Flight of the Queen," and "Cheezo." Each piece set the stage for thematic explorations of choice, destiny, and moral dilemmas, as exemplified by a king grappling with imperial edicts, a queen's enchanting call to a mystical mountain, and the satirical commentary on societal values through the character of Sladder, who is deeply entrenched in materialism and superficial food marketing.
Plays of Gods and Men
"Plays of Gods and Men" by Lord Dunsany is a collection of dramatic works written in the early 20th century. The text presents a blend of myth and philosophy, exploring themes surrounding divinity, nature, and the human condition. In particular, the opening features characters trapped in the tension between the divine and the mundane, highlighting the struggles of kings, queens, and commoners alike in understanding their destinies in the face of capricious gods. At the start of "Plays of Gods and Men," the initial play, "The Laughter of the Gods," introduces a vibrant but precarious setting in the jungle city of Thek. The narrative centers around King Karnos and his court, as his advisors express concern over the city's health and the ominous prophecies hinted at by a mysterious prophet. The characters engage in a mix of personal desires and political machinations, with discussions revealing their existential dread as they grapple with the foreboding presence of the gods. The unfolding dialogue sets the stage for a deeper exploration of fate, free will, and the often absurdity of life through the lens of both divine wrath and human folly.