Modern Fantasy: The 100 Best Novels, Vol. 1. Illustrated

Modern Fantasy: The 100 Best Novels, Vol. 1 is an essential introduction to the most imaginative, influential, and enduring works that shaped the landscape of 20th-century fantasy literature. This volume gathers a diverse selection of masterpieces—spanning high fantasy, gothic fiction, dark fantasy, mythic adventure, and supernatural tales—offering readers a rich exploration of how the genre evolved into one of the most important in modern storytelling.The collection opens with Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake, a visionary novel renowned for its baroque prose, gothic architecture, and unparalleled atmosphere. Peake’s world of ritual and decay stands as one of the genre’s most original achievements, marking a departure from traditional heroic fantasy.C. S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe introduces the enchanting world of Narnia, a timeless realm where myth, morality, and wonder intertwine. Its universal appeal and emotional resonance continue to captivate readers of all ages, making it one of the most beloved fantasy novels ever written.Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Conqueror brings the raw energy of sword-and-sorcery into the anthology. With its fierce heroism, ancient magic, and relentless action, the novel stands as a foundational work that defined an entire subgenre.The volume also includes The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, a masterpiece of psychological horror and spectral ambiguity. Jackson’s novel expands the boundaries of fantasy by exploring the fragile limits of perception, fear, and the supernatural.Completing the group is T. H. White’s The Once and Future King, a profound and layered retelling of Arthurian legend that blends humor, tragedy, and philosophical reflection. Its influence reaches far beyond fantasy, shaping modern conceptions of heroism and moral leadership.Together, these novels—along with many others included in the volume—form a definitive guide to the richness and variety of modern fantasy. This collection is perfect for readers seeking both essential classics and deeper insight into the genre’s most transformative works.Contents:• Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake (1946)• The Well of the Unicorn by Fletcher Pratt (1948)• Conan the Conqueror by Robert E. Howard (1950)• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis (1950)• Prince Caspian by C. S.Lewis (1951)• Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake (1950)• The Once and Future King by T. H White (1958)• The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (1959)• Titus Alone by Mervyn Peake (1959)• The Third Policeman by Flann O’Brien (1967)