# Gene Wolfe -comparable SF authors? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 12, 2007, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922 "2007-02-12T21:27:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2007, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/21 "2007-02-14T03:46:23Z")
You can’t go wrong with Steven Erikson’s Malazan Empire books. Well, you can, in that the series covers about 300,000 years of history and all sorts of stuff in [Gardens of the Moon](http://www.amazon.com/Gardens-Moon-Book-Malazan-Fallen/dp/0765310015/ref=ed_oe_h/105-2337448-3747631) doesn’t make sense for at least 300 pages and lots more stuff is still up in the air five books later. Erikson is writing a series, not a book. You have to just trust that he knows where he’s going. The writing is just heartbreakingly beautiful and his characters are indelibly printed in my brain. It’s truly an awesome job. For background, Erikson and his writing partner Ian Cameron Esselmont were archeology students. They developed the Malazan Empire as a roleplaying campaign when they on a dig with nowhere else to go one year. Erikson is writing the events after the death of the emperor Kellanved (that’s not a spoiler) and Esselmont is writing the events leading up to it. Erikson’s a faster writer and got a publishing deal first. Historians play a major role in the series and they kick about 12 kinds of ass and … I was going to say they get all the girls but mostly they’re too busy being heroic. Deadhouse Gates (book 2) still takes my breath away. ---
**Author:** ![Cerowyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/82dd89/32.png) [@Cerowyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cerowyn)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2007, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/22 "2007-02-14T07:13:26Z")
I’ve raved about the Malazan books elsewhere, so I won’t go on again other than to second them for their scope, breadth and originality. I always associate Sean Russell with Gene Wolfe, mostly because I first starting reading both authors about the same time. Russell’s stuff is probably a little less accessible, but I enjoy it. There are a few other spec. fic. authors I make a point of picking up whenever something new comes out: Dave Duncan, David Weber (just finished his latest, _Off Armageddon Reef_), Steven Brust, Glen Cook (really looking forward to more in the _Incarnations of the Night_ series), David Drake and Guy Gavriel Kay. ---
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2007, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/23 "2007-02-14T14:55:03Z")
[QUOTE=Winston Bongo] I second R.A. Lafferty, not because he reminds me of Gene Wolfe – he doesn’t – but because he shares Wolfe’s unique ability to write the type of story that doesn’t remind you of _anyone_. (In fact, Wolfe himself is a Lafferty fan.) And a lot of his work has been reprinted in the last few years, so it’s much easier to find than it used to be. I’d recommend trying his short stories before throwing yourself into a novel, though – his bizarre style/pacing is much better suited to the short form. **Nine-Hundred Grandmothers** is an excellent collection to start with. Another SF writer in the “defies-categorization category” is Cordwainer Smith. You can get all his short fiction in a single collection, **The Rediscovery of Man**. Definitely worth the money! [/QUOTE] So–perhaps I ought to check out this Gene Wolfe fellow. Cordwainer Smith won my heart with “The Ballad of Lost C’Mell” in _Galaxy_. Still have my copy, with illustrations by the wonderful Virgil Finlay. Beside the anthology you mentioned, the novel _Norstrilia_ completes a collection of just about all the fiction he wrote (as “Cordwainer Smith”). > **[Cordwainer Smith and His Remarkable Science Fiction](http://www.cordwainer-smith.com/)** > > Cordwainer Smith's strange science fiction, along with works he wrote under his own name, Paul M. A. Linebarger, and other names, are covered on this website created by his daughter. His life is discussed, and she reflects and remembers. And I may love R A Lafferty even more. _Fifth Mansions_ is my favorite Lafferty novel, but I agree that starting with his short stories is a good idea. > **[R.A. Lafferty Devotional Page](http://www.mulle-kybernetik.com/RAL/)** Avram Davidson was another author unlike other authors; therefore, he might appeal to those who appreciate the unique. And, like Lafferty, he died just a few years ago–therefore, many of his books are back in print. Or so recently out of print again that they’re still available at decent prices. > **[The Avram Davidson Website](http://www.avramdavidson.org/)** > > The AVRAM DAVIDSON Website, compiled by Henry Wessells, is an evolving bio-bibliographical compendium of material relating to the American science fiction and fantasy author Avram Davidson (1923-1993) and related topics, including Mandrakes,... (Hmmm–here’s a book with stories by Lafferty & Wolfe. Just googled & soon to be in my library.) [www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/w/gene-wolfe/in-wake-of-man.htm](http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/w/gene-wolfe/in-wake-of-man.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2007, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/24 "2007-02-14T18:16:12Z")
[QUOTE=Merneith] You can’t go wrong with Steven Erikson’s Malazan Empire books. [/QUOTE] I’m curious. How much Gene Wolfe have you read? ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2007, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/25 "2007-02-14T19:26:39Z")
[QUOTE=Cerowyn] I’ve raved about the Malazan books elsewhere, so I won’t go on again other than to second them for their scope, breadth and originality. [/QUOTE] I love these books too, but I think Erikson falls short when it comes to character development and depth. The various plots, schemes, and machinations in the Malazan books are complex and well thought out, but many of the characters are just pieces on the board. They’re interesting but only because of what they do, not because of who they are. If there wasn’t a war going on, I’d be bored with them. Severian, on the other hand – he’s interesting even when he’s doing something mundane. ---
**Author:** ![Cemetery\_Savior](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@Cemetery\_Savior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cemetery_Savior)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2007, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/26 "2007-02-14T19:42:47Z")
[QUOTE=AuntiePam] Severian, on the other hand – he’s interesting even when he’s doing something mundane. [/QUOTE] Couldn’t agree more. I might argue that his interactions with other characters are more interesting than he himself (if that’s a valid distinction). but enouhg of the Wolfe Fan Party! Malazan series, huh? I’ll pick up the first book in the series, and try it out. OK, **Mereneith** …I’ll read the 2nd one too! 🙂 Sean Russell…I’ll try one of those, and I’ll also try Cabel and Bramah (thanks, **Reno**!) muzzynyc…I don’t know which Wolfe books you’ve read so far, but I like the newer ones…Knight and Wizard. As most of his work…easily accessible to even a child on one level, but much deeper if you’re willing to take the time to puzzle-solve. My favorites are the Long Sun series, closely followed by the New Sun series. **Exapno Mapcase** …not sure you were asking me, but I think I’ve read everything Wolfe has published, down to short stories and chapbook items. Loved almost all of it. I’ll try the CIA book, **muzzynyc** …I like that genre, too. Keep it coming, people! I’m sure I’m not the only one getting a Library List out of this! -Cem ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Borgia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larry_borgia/32/156_2.png) [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2007, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/27 "2007-02-14T19:52:19Z")
I recommend _The Second Coming_. It operates on a number of levels. ---
**Author:** ![NE\_Texan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e99b99/32.png) [@NE\_Texan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NE_Texan)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2007, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/28 "2007-02-14T21:11:57Z")
I recommend Tim Powers. His topics are completely different, but he’s got the depth, the inscrutability and bits that you pick up on reread, and his works are fun to read, too! ---
**Author:** ![Cemetery\_Savior](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@Cemetery\_Savior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cemetery_Savior)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2007, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/29 "2007-02-14T21:52:51Z")
[QUOTE=NE Texan] I recommend Tim Powers. His topics are completely different, but he’s got the depth, the inscrutability and bits that you pick up on reread, and his works are fun to read, too! [/QUOTE] Tim Powers is great…read about 90% of his stuff. I also kept up the Powers-thing, and am reading Richard Powers…good stuff. -Cem ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2007, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/30 "2007-02-14T22:32:37Z")
[QUOTE=Cemetery Savior] **Exapno Mapcase** …not sure you were asking me, but I think I’ve read everything Wolfe has published, down to short stories and chapbook items. Loved almost all of it. [/QUOTE] I would expect that. But I quoted Merneith, so that’s who I was asking. Erikson would seem to be the utter antithesis of Wolfe, so I was puzzled by the recommendation. I’m trying to figure out when I first encountered Wolfe. I know I bought Operation Ares (1970) and The Fifth Head of Cerberus (1972) when they first came out. He had already appeared in If, F&SF, and Orbit by then so I’m sure I would have known of his short work before I bought the novel. So sometime in 1968 or 1969, then. I had lunch with him at the Worldcon in Chicago in 1982, when we were both on panels, he namedropped. ---
**Author:** ![Cemetery\_Savior](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/439d5e/32.png) [@Cemetery\_Savior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cemetery_Savior)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2007, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/31 "2007-02-15T15:58:53Z")
[QUOTE=Exapno Mapcase] I had lunch with him at the Worldcon in Chicago in 1982, when we were both on panels, he namedropped. [/QUOTE] That’s the stuff I love to hear. I love how someone like GW would name-drop. I know it was 1982, but he had already gotten some fame, so I find it funny. Not to hijack my own thread, but I played tennis several times with David Foster Wallace (another author) after Infinite Jest came out. He must have worked John Barth into the conversation about 1,000 times. I like John Barth, but I like DFW better…it seemed unnecessary. -Cem ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2007, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/32 "2007-02-15T16:28:43Z")
Ah, no. _I’m_ namedropping. I don’t recall that we talked much about other authors. Just general lunchtime conversation. ---
**Author:** ![Winston\_Bongo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a9adbd/32.png) [@Winston\_Bongo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Bongo)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2007, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/33 "2007-02-15T16:43:43Z")
[QUOTE=Larry Borgia] I recommend _The Second Coming_. It operates on a number of levels. [/QUOTE] I nominate this as “best inside joke that will make absolutely no sense once the Google ads rotate.” ---
**Author:** ![SpectBrain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a87d85/32.png) [@SpectBrain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpectBrain)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2007, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/34 "2007-03-09T02:59:52Z")
Being less than a month old I hope that it’s ok to resurrect this thread. I’d like to add three authors to the list and I speak as a very long time fan of Gene Wolfe. Patrick O’leary for “Door Number Three” Paul Park for “A Princess of Roumania” and Iain Banks. any of his “Culture” books. All three extremely talented and imaginative writers ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2007, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922/35 "2007-03-09T03:51:08Z")
Oh, most science fiction writers are better than Gene Wolfe, with the possible exception of Pel Torro. Knock yourself out. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gene-wolfe-comparable-sf-authors/391922.md?page=1)