The Worm Ouroboros (Barnes & Noble Library of Essential Reading)

By E. R. Eddison and Brian Attebery

The Worm Ouroboros weaves strands from Norse saga, Greek myth, and Elizabethan drama together with magical adventure to produce one of the most eccentric masterpieces of English literature. Anticipating J. R. R. Tolkien by a few decades, E. R. Eddison imagined an Other World full of wonders and a huge cast of warriors, witches, and monsters. He also invented one of the truly distinctive styles in English prose. Its language is densely ornamented and deliberately archaic, but also precise, vigorous, and flexible enough to convey wistful tenderness one minute and violent action the next. In the decades since its first publication in 1922, The Worm Ouroboros has become a touchstone for lovers of fantasy literature, influencing several generations of writers and treasured by readers who fall under its spell.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble
• Release date: Sep 1, 2009
• ISBN: 9781411430563

E. R. Eddison

E. R. Eddison (1882-1945) was an English novelist and civil servant. Born in Leeds, Eddison was educated by private tutors and formed an early friendship with Arthur Ransome, who would later become a popular children’s author. Eddison studied at Oxford before taking a position as a civil servant for the Board of Trade, where he would spend his entire career. On the side, he pursued his literary interests as an influential writer of high fantasy novels. He found success with The Worm Ouroboros (1922) and his Zimiamvian Trilogy, which have been praised by such figures as J. R. R. Tolkein, C. S. Lewis, and Ursula K. Le Guin. Eddison invented his own vibrant worlds and memorable characters, taking inspiration from Norse myth, medieval history, and Jacobean literature.