Jack Vance - An Incomplete Annotated Bibliography?

An article by: C S Barlow

A selection of some of the things the name Jack Vance (1916 or 1920, depending upon which publisher's "About the Author" you read) summons to mind:

glorious sunsets watched in comfort with trays of sweetmeats and goblets of exotic distillations readily at hand; the company of a pretty girl at a wharfside cafe; caravans conveying all manner of goods and personalities negotiating wide, lawless steppes; rich, brightly coloured costumes; boats lit prow and stern with huge ornate lamps sailing placid oceans; crafty bartering over the price of ancient, stoppered urns of unknown, but certainly magical, content; carnivorous hybrids who happily discuss philosophical nuances prior to dining on their fellow conversationalists; unsolvable mysteries which nevertheless must be solved; and, throughout, in both undertone and over, Mankind in all his vanity, selfishness, perversity, madness, and ultimate invincibility.

Jack Vance (full name John Holbrook Vance), on the surface, is a writer of the old school, which is to say he writes pure, unashamed, escapism (the concerns of his worlds rarely directly touch upon this; his work is mainly male-orientated; his heroes ­ and, more rarely, heroines ­ are straightforward creations with a minimum of characterisation (yet always distinctive and never cardboard); his plotting classic). But, this aside, his work is done in such effortless, timeless style that he remains a past master still eminently readable.

With Jack Vance, frugality is all (though he is admittedly fond of the footnote and appendix) ­ if one word suffices, use it. Descriptions are short and leave much to the imagination, yet, even in this succinctness, a great deal is conveyed. It's almost as if he's suggesting that you've read it all before, and will read it all again, so best simply to supply the right pointers and continue with the tale at hand.

If, like me (and I would only admit this behind closed doors, you understand), you still enjoy reading about space pirates, magic mirrors, damsels in distress, fearsome monsters, star yachts, and the like, don't waste your time and insult your intelligence with Weis and Hickman and co. ­ for all these things plus style, elegance, and wit, read Jack Vance. You'll keep getting up for the dictionary, but you'll be well rewarded for it.

(NOTE: given dates are copyright dates, unless otherwise stated).

The Dying Earth (1950)

Interconnected short stories. The sun dims, the awesome achievements of Mankind's past are forgotten. Sinister creatures roam the dark forests and deep valleys; wizards vie with one another for the possession of powerful artifacts or grow beautiful women in vats; once magnificent cities rot ­ untended by their ignorant populace. Vance's first book. Within this subgenre, equalled only by Wolfe's "The Book of the New Sun" in its feeling of infinite antiquity. Undoubtedly his best.

The Five Gold Bands (1950)

Novel. The five Sons of Langtry have a stranglehold on the galaxy in general and Earth in particular due to the fact that only they know the secret of interstellar travel. Paddy Blackthorn gains the information that could lead to the information that could lead to Earth being able to produce its own spacedrives, and sets out to break the monopoly. An almost complete lack of usual style, an irritatingly stereotypical Irish hero, and a plot devoid of surprises, make this book probably the worst Vance in the world.

Son of the Tree (1951)

Novel. Joe Smith is roaming the galaxy in search of the man who has stolen his love's heart. During his travels he becomes involved with a power struggle taking part between two worlds ­one religious, the other cultural­ over possession of a developing, but potentially lucrative, third. Somewhat slight, somewhat predictable, but nevertheless entertaining.

Big Planet (1951)

Novel. Claude Glystra of Earth had been sent to the aptly named world of Big Planet to investigate slaver and would-be planet ruler, Charley Lysidder. However, Glystra and his fellows become the victims of sabotage, and find themselves forty-thousand miles from the safe area of Earth Enclave... A readable enough adventure, though somewhat unimaginative and uninvolving.

To Live Forever (1956)

Novel. Clarges is a city built upon immortality, its every citizen striving for social advancement in order to one day be able to join the exalted ranks of the Amaranth and live forever. An excellent, rather dark work; very well thought out concerning immortality's practicalities.

The Languages of Pao (1957)

Novel. In general, this is a tale of planetary revolution; in detail it covers such subjects as the way language-types dictates society-types, megalomania, exile, coming-of-age, hive mentality, solipsism, artificial augmentation of the body ­ and all clearly, and engagingly depicted within only a hundred and sixty pages (a number others would need to treble in order to properly present the same ideas). A very good read.

Slaves of the Klau (1958)

Novel. Roy Barch is an escaped slave upon a nightmarish factory planet. Only a diverse and incomprehensible crew of spiritless humanoids, and his own indomitable will to live, offer any hope of return to Earth (a situation that draws immediate parallels with the "Planet of Adventure" books). Though unrealistic in places and predictable in others, this is a highly enjoyable romp, in which, to be candid, Mankind says fuck you to the rest of the galaxy, and manages to prove Himself the best thing ever to have happened to it. What were the words of that old Queen song? "Just a man, with a man's courage, nothing but a man, who can never fail." And yes, the guy does get the girl.

The Dragon Masters (1962)

Novel. Winner of the Hugo Award. The last vestiges of Man live out their lives on the planet Aerlith, selectively breeding armies of dragons ­ semi-intelligent reptiles derived from ancient alien adversaries, the Basics. Only one man, Joaz Banbeck, expected the Basics to return; and, when they of course did, only he was in a position to effectively pit his dragons against their selectively bred man-things. A very readable and imaginative book, the battle scenes proving especially vivid.

The Houses of Iszm (1964)

Novel. The living tree-houses of Iszm are in very high demand ­ especially by those who would steal a female house-seed and so break the Iszic's monopoly. Ignoring the silly names and ­ for Vance ­ fairly conventional style, this is a very readable novel; especially when it details the Iszic's botanical creations (where the phrase "mad house" takes on an amusingly literal meaning).

Star King (1964)

Novel. First in the "Demon Princes" series. Mankind has spread far and wide throughout the galaxy, encountering few beings with intelligence to match his own ­ except, that is, for the Star Kings, whose sole drive in life is to excel. Possessed, as they are, of a humanoid appearance, many of them set out to prove Mankind their inferior by bettering him in all his aspects of existence ­ including the worst. To this end, one Star King, accompanied by four human mastercriminals (all five collectively named the Demon Princes), lay waste to a town, enslaving or killing its inhabitants; amongst whom is the family of Kirth Gersen. Gersen swears his revenge... Enjoyable planet-to-planet detective/ revenge story.

The Killing Machine (1964)

Novel. Second in the "Demon Princes" series. Gersen seeks out the second of the five Demon Princes who destroyed his childhood family and friends. Another girl, further strange planets and societies, but generally more of the same enjoyable stuff.

Space Opera (1965)

Novel. Dame Isabel Grayce has decided to take Earth-style grand opera to the various other races of the galaxy. The performances, however, rarely meet with the reception hoped for. Amusing enough, and Vance ­ at least to a prole like myself ­ shows he has some knowledge of opera; but the book only just stays this side of tedium in its episodic plotting. If you want to read something combining music and space travel, a much better bet is Kim Stanley Robinson's "The Memory of Whiteness".

The Last Castle (1966)

Novel. Hugo and Nebula Award winner. The population of Earth is small, and housed, for the most part, in nine castles. Without warning the alien servants at each castle revolt, and, due to their erstwhile masters' foolish contempt and overblown belief in their own resources, swiftly take eight of the castles. However, waiting at Hagedorn, The Last Castle, is a man with sufficient vision to comprehend the only way in which the aliens can be defeated... Very colourful, perfect prose and execution, but, all in all, typical Vance and surely not his most deserving work for the Hugo and Nebula.

The Eyes of the Overworld (1966)

Novel. Episodic sequel to "The Dying Earth". Lacks some of the antiquity of its precursor, but this is its only fault. Cugel the Clever, a vain, self-centred rogue, has been cast halfway around the world by Iucounu the Laughing Magician in order to acquire one of the Eyes of Overworld. His journey back, of course, is filled with the weirdest happenings, not least of which is his unwitting consumption ­ after toasting it over a brazier ­ of TOTALITY, the universe inversely viewed. Constantly witty, often surprising, "Overworld" is a worthy sequel.

The Blue World (1966)

Novel. Explores one of Vance's favourite themes: Man as slave. On a water-bound world a peaceful community living upon huge lilypads worships a semi-intelligent underwater being, King Kragen. In return for this worship and the food that is grown for him, Kragen keeps at bay his lesser relatives. Only the pride of Sklar Hast and one or two others is offended by this situation, and they resolve to do something about it. Enjoyable, but barely manages to cover its short story origins.

The Palace of Love (1967)

Novel. Third in the "Demon Princes" series. Again, a further girl, further planets and societies, another Demon Prince to execute. This time, however, Gersen is accompanied by a sidekick in the interesting and humourous guise of the mad poet Navarth.

City of the Chasch (1968)

Novel. See "Planet of Adventure Omnibus."

Servants of the Wankh (1969)

Novel. Sequel to above. See "Planet of Adventure Omnibus."

The Dirdir (1969)

Novel. Sequel to above. See "Planet of Adventure Omnibus."

Emphyrio (1969)

Novel. On the planet Halma a stifling guild system tantamount to slave labour keeps the populace under strict control. Ghyl Tarvok, fascinated by the ancient legend of Emphyrio (who supposedly saved the original settlers from alien conquest), and angered by the wrongful death of his father, becomes disillusioned with the system and seeks its destruction ­ in enigmatic parallel with the Emphyrio legend. A well-depicted childhood and denouncement of certain aspects of everyday life, ensconced within the familiar Vance tropes of star-yachts, theosophical piss-taking, and boy-meets-girl, make this a very good, more serious than usual, book.

The Pnume (1970)

Novel. Sequel to "The Dirdir." See "Planet of Adventure Omnibus."

The Faceless Man (1971)

Novel. First in the Durdane Trilogy. The inhabitants of Durdane lead a comfortable, trouble-free existence ­ controlled as they are by exploding torcs about their necks. Gastel Etzwane, wronged by Durdane law, escapes the torc to seek justice from he whose finger is on the button, so to speak. A highly unlikely society set in a beautiful world, and both wonderfully evoked, make this worthy Vance and an excellent start to a trilogy.

The Brave Free Men (1972)

Novel. Second in the Durdane trilogy. Gastel Etzwane must unite the wildly diverse cantons of Shant against the threat of the monstrous Roguskhoi. Very entertaining page-turner, imaginative, inventive, employing all of Vance's trade-marks to their best effects.

The Asutra (1973)

Novel. Third in the Durdane trilogy. The Roguskhoi and their parasitic alien puppeteers have been forced from Shant. But what of the rumours originating from the vast and wild continent of Caraz ­ rumours of fearsome battles between huge copper-coloured saucers and vast black globes? Gastel Etzwane feels compelled to investigate. A satisfying close to the trilogy, surprisingly downbeat at the very end.

Trullion: Alastor 2262 (1973)

Novel. An "Alastor Cluster" book (tenuously connected to the "Gaean Reach" books). After ten years, Glinnes Hulden has returned to his homeworld of Trullion, to find circumstances not at all to his liking: his older brother is missing, gypsies camp in his back garden, and half of his land has been illegally sold. And what of the new cult of Fanscherade that has claimed his younger brother and is sweeping over Trullion's fens and islands, its doctrines completely contrary to the normal easy-going ways of the Trill? Detailed and beautifully written (especially concerning the languorous paradise of Trullion itself).

The Grey Prince (1974)

Novel. A "Gaean Reach" book. On the planet Koryphon, revolution looms. The nomadic Uldras want the vast stretches of land, forcibly taken from them centuries ago by the settling Outkers, returned. But other, far older races than the Uldra exist upon Koryphon ­ what of their claim? A detailed, interesting book, especially where it concerns the political differences between Koryphon's various peoples.

Showboat World (1975)

Novel. A "Big Planet" book. Apollon Zamp, master of the showboat Miraldra's Enchantment, has won permission to compete in a Grand Festival at far-off Mornune. However, due to the devious machinations of his archrival, Zamp loses boat, possessions, troupe, and crew. How now will he get to Mornune? How can he compete without a troupe? And what of the mysterious beauty who would accompany him no matter his vicissitudes, and yet declines his every amorous advance? Written with high style and wit, this is a much better effort than "Big Planet."

Marune: Alastor 993 (1975)

Novel. An "Alastor Cluster" book. Pardero has lost his memory. However, by processes of deduction and elimination, his origins are traced to the planet Marune, where he holds a position of some distinction amongst its stifling society of Rhunes. His return is not greeted with joy ­ quite the opposite, in fact. He finds himself at the centre of a power-struggle of which he knows nothing, and only by deciphering its intricacies can he learn who stole his memory. A trifle uninvolving at first, but soon builds into an interesting mystery-cum-court intrigue.

Maske: Thaery (1976)

Novel. A "Gaean Reach" book. On the planet Maske, proud Jubal Droad, a younger brother and therefore ineligible to become master of his ancestral home, roams the district of Thaery in search of a befitting life. Due to certain revengeful desires, he becomes embroiled in a plot that could change the whole of Maske. A mystery novel slightly more light-hearted than "The Grey Prince", imaginative, in places eerily magical, drily ironic, and beautifully written throughout.

Wyst: Alastor 1716 (1978)

Novel. An "Alastor Cluster" book. On little more than a whim, Jantiff Ravensroke travels to the hyper-egalitarian city of Arrabus on Wyst. There, unwittingly, he becomes the instigator of a plot of usurpment ­ and ultimately expendable. A rich, detailed work, somewhat slower-paced than usual, and written as two disparate halves ­ the first concerning Jantiff's adventures in the subtly ­ and not so subtly ­ sinister city of Arrabus, the second his attempts to gain transport off-planet in the Weirdlands surrounding the city. Possibly gently anti-communist, this is the best of the "Alastor" books.

Fantasms and Magics (published as collection, 1978)

Collection (though this is not even alluded to on the cover of the Grafton copy). Headed by the novella "The Miracle Workers," the subjects of these stories range from voodooism to the re-emergence of Earth into reality after a long sojourn in Chaos (of the visible-sound, heard-aromas variety). There are no valuable insights or lessons to be learned from any of these works (as Vance himself, in his introduction, testifies) ­ they are simply good-old suspend-your-disbelief-and-read-with-a-smile-on-your- face tales. Consists of "The Miracle Workers," "When the Five Moons Rise," "Noise," "The New Prime," "Guyal of Sfere" (a "Dying Earth" extract), and "The Men Return."

The Face (1979)

Novel. Fourth in the "Demon Princes" series. Yet another girl, more weird planets, customs, and pastimes, and another Demon Prince to be re-venged upon. Only one more to go, and there's some interesting stuff here concerning Kirth Gersen's wish ­only touched upon by the earlier books­ that he could end his obsessive lifestyle and live more conventionally ­ I think Vance was actually feeling a little sorry for him by this point. Detailed, interesting, and with an absolutely beautiful ending.

The Narrow Land (1980)

Collection. Themes vary from an immortal's efforts to commit suicide in "Where Hesperus Falls," to an entertaining play on the Waking Up in Someone Else's Body subgenre in the novella "Chateau D'If" (originally published as "New Bodies for Old"). Another highly entertaining collection. Consists of "The Narrow Land," "The Masquerade on Dicantropus," "Where Hesperus Falls," "The World Thinker," "Green Magic," "The Ten Books," and "Chateau D'If."

The Book of Dreams (1981)

Novel. Fifth in the "Demon Princes" series. Kirth Gersen searches for the final Demon Prince, Howard Alan Treesong ­ Overlord of Crime and would-be Triune of the Interworld Police Coordinating Company. Howard, though he is supposed to be the ultimate in criminal evil, is almost conventional in comparison to his now-dead peers; and, when his time does arrive (as was inevitable), it is rather a damp squib. This book should have been the first in the series, not last. A somewhat disapointing conclusion.

Lyonesse: Suldrun's Garden (1983)

Novel. A complex tale of a land now sunk below the Atlantic. Kings strive against one-another for what they believe to be their rightful domains; wizards variously help and hinder the kings whilst bickering amongst themselves; fairy folk replace royal offspring with changelings; a disowned princess lives out her days in a hidden garden; kings seek for their sons and princes seek for their fathers; armies lay siege to impregnable castles; unctuous monks ingratiate themselves with queens in order to further Christianity's cause; doors are opened into other realities... It's all here, and revealed in a beautiful, often haunting fashion. Quite excellent.

Cugel's Saga (1983, 1985)

Novel. Sequel to "The Eyes of Overworld." Cugel again finds himself on the other side of the world, faced with the prospect of another long, danger-fraught journey home. On this occasion, however, he chooses a different route... Another, very worthy addition to "The Dying Earth" line, played more for laughs than the two previous novels.

Rhialto the Marvellous (1984)

Novel. Sequel to above. This details, in three episodes, the exploits of a group of some two-dozen rather vain, petty, and selfish magicians (focusing on the eponymous Rhialto). Amusing, witty, stylish as always ­ but left wanting due to the almost total lack of antiquarian impression its setting demands. "The Dying Earth" deserves better.

Planet of Adventure Omnibus (1985)

Comprising "City of the Chasch," "Servants of the Wankh," "The Dirdir," and "The Pnume." Adam Reith is marooned upon the huge, ancient world of Tschai. Five races constitute the world's populace: the indigenous and subterranean Pnume, the star-faring Chasch, Wankh(!), and Dirdir. Astoundingly, Man is also present, and split for the most part into four factions more interested in aping the ways of their alien masters than in freeing themselves from oppression. A rich work, full of ornate air-boats and ruined cities. Manages to evoke something of "The Dying Earth" in its impression of Tschai's great age.

Lyonesse II: The Green Pearl (1985)

Novel. Sequel to Lyonesse. More of the same, though none the worse for that. Sadly though, this work lacks some of its predecessor's grace and freshness. Nevertheless, a good read.

The Augmented Agent and Other Stories (1986)

Collection. Subjects range from the tragic tale of an alien girl stranded on contemporary Earth, to a kind of "Harry Tuttle, Heating Engineer," for interstellar transport booths, to near-future espionage with James Bonds whose gadgets are part of their physiology. Not a bad collection, with many of the stories running to novella length, but not quite up with "The Narrow Land" and "Fantasms and Magics." Consists of "Shape-Up," "The Man from Zodiac," "Golden Girl," "The Planet Machine," "Crusade to Maxus," "Three-Legged Joe," "Sjambak," and "The Augmented Agent."

Lyonesse III: Madouc (1989)

Novel. Sequel to Lyonesse II: The Green Pearl. World Fantasy Award-winner. Concentrates, for the most part, on the adventures of the changeling Madouc. These are entertaining enough, but Vance dallies far too long with her, and relegates other, more interesting characters to a virtual summary of catastrophic events in the last few pages. The priorities of this book should have been reversed. Presumably the last in the series, and as such a disappointment.Known works not covered by this bibliography: The Cadwal Chronicles (Books One, Two, and Three); The Dark Side of the Moon; The Man in the Cage (poss. not SF/ Fantasy); Future Tense; The Moon Moth.

If anyone has any of the above, save for Araminta Station (The Cadwal Chronicles Book One), or any others I've missed, and is prepared to part with them for a reasonable price ­ I'm interested.

CS BARLOW

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