Viriconium

By: M. John Harrison

Narrated by: Simon Vance

A magnificent city existing on the ringes of the past, and on the brink of destruction, Viriconium

Available to American readers for the first time, this landmark collection gathers four groundbreaking fantasy classics from the acclaimed author of Light. Set in the imagined city of Viriconium, here are the masterworks that revolutionized a genre and enthralled a generation of readers: The Pastel City, A Storm of Wings, In Viriconium, and Viriconium Nights. Back in print after a long absence, these singular tales of a timeless realm and its enigmatic inhabitants are now reborn and compiled to captivate a whole new generation.

Praise for M. John Harrison’s Viriconium

“The world that Harrison depicts is intricate and authentic, peopled with a multitude of strange yet lifelike characters—a combination which serves to make his richly imagined empire of Viriconium feel very real indeed. . . . This omnibus collection from the author of Light is canon-reading for those who wish to know the genre's roots, as well as the heights, to which it can aspire.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Brilliant, beautiful, and absolutely essential reading. The breadth of vision and imagination alone in these books is unparalleled. It is truly one of a kind and will continue to haunt you in the best possible way for years.”—Jonathan Carroll, author of White Apples

“Harrison’s Viriconium sequence is the jewel in the crown of 20th-century fantasy, a work that proves irrefutably that fantastic literature can be Art with a capital A, holding its own alongside the very finest writing of our time, or any other.”—Elizabeth Hand, author of Mortal Love

“M. John Harrison is a true master of English prose. He possesses the eye of a painter, the ear of a bard, and a rigorous and playful intellect. The Viriconium novels and stories are infused with a haunting genius that never falters.”—K.J. Bishop, author of The Etched City

Critic reviews

“The world that Harrison depicts is intricate and authentic, peopled with a multitude of strange yet lifelike characters—a combination which serves to make his richly imagined empire of Viriconium feel very real indeed. . . . This omnibus collection from the author of Light is canon-reading for those who wish to know the genre's roots, as well as the heights, to which it can aspire.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Superb writing, rich in detail and contrasts

Stylistically, this is some of the best fantasy writing I've ever read but don't let the power swords and armor fool you, these are aloof, enigmatic stories. As artful as the genre gets--and like art, requiring a little reflection on the part of the reader.

great and descriptive e

I only listened for the breathtaking scenes and descriptions. There are few like this one

started strong, but I could not finish.

I would not recommend this book, I ended it with no connection or find memory.

Of the author, they are an excellent word smith. In the beginning I enjoyed the overly descriptive scenes. though as it went on I began to loose interest with the pace and direction. It became to descriptive.

Of the stories, the first two I found interesting, the third annoying and the following few caused me just stop listening.