Floyd Hyatt Does Dragons
Mr. Hyatt has a post today on a series, the first book of which is the only one I knew existed and enjoyed immensely. Happiness!
The Dragon Knight Series
Description & Review
by F. A. Hyatt
Ace books, Tor
Titles:
The Dragon and the George, the Dragon Knight, the Dragon on the Border, The Dragon at War, The Dragon and the Gnarly King, The Dragon in Lyonesse, The Dragon and the Fair Maid of Kent.
by Gordon R. Dickson
Mention the word Dorsai, and Gordon R Dickson in the same sentence and everyone knows what's up. A little less realized is that this popular and prolific writer of military S/F wrote this wonderful series of Third person medieval fantasy works, starting in the 1970s with The Dragon and the George and continuing until 2000 with the release of the Fair Maid of Kent. Dickson is well researched in medieval lore, customs, and history, so this light and humorous series of books contains the background ring of truth that really sweeps you up, and forms through out , its own character presence.
The seven volumes follow the adventures of James Eckert, a time and dimension displaced professor of medieval history, and his wife. His spirit initially displaced into the body of a dragon, James gains back his human form, finding himself able to change back and forth at will, and also magically talented, under the tutelage of his mentor, Carolinus, in a world where magicians are their own strict guild, and magic use is handled a bit like Pay-Per-View TV. These features are a side issue to the stories though, for James becomes the Lord of a castle and estate, called Malencontri in this parallel universe, and his adventures and problems in dealing with the medieval culture and his responsibilities are the predominant theme that runs through the set.
Great fun reading, and each book fully able to stand on its own, it is a true sequential series crafted by a champion golden age author. Gordon weaves together important figures from the real period, and brings to life less well known, as well as the usual, creatures of medieval lore. From interacting with such figures as Joan of Kent (b.1328) and King Edward, Prince of Wales, to magically animated teapots, these stories are a delight to read.
Now I need to sally forth and acquire the rest of the series. Verily. Forsooth.
WRITING PROMPT: If you woke up tomorrow in the body of a dragon, what's the first thing you'd want to do?
MA
