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A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow

(A Song of Ice and Fire (Alternative Numbering) #5)

George R.R. Martin

4.47 · Rating details · 67,469 ratings · 2,022 reviews

An alternate cover edition of this ISBN can be found here and here.

HBO's hit series A GAME OF THRONES is based on George R R Martin's internationally bestselling series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, the greatest fantasy epic of the modern age. A STORM OF SWORDS: STEEL AND SNOW is the FIRST part of the third volume in the series. Winter approaches Westeros like an angry beast. Th ...more

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Paperback, 688 pages

Published April 2020 by Harper Voyager (first published August 8th 2000)

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Start your review of A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire, #3, Part 1 of 2)

Feb 01, 2014 Col rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I'm seeing a lot of negative reviews about this book: people complaining about a slow story line and a ridiculously cruel world where anyone can be killed off without a second thought. My response is: if you want a quick, happy clappy mushy book, you need to get yourself to the romance section. Or even better, the young adult section.

My biggest pet peeve in books is feeling that characters are safe. I want people to die. I want people to be miserable. It tells me that the author is serious and ...more

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Oct 15, 2015 Kai rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2015

"Night falls for all of us in the end, and too soon for some.”

Part 1 of A Storm of Swords was less exciting than it's companions. I grew tired of most of the character's plot lines and couldn't get enough of others. I especially love that we finally get introduced to the Tyrells and the Dornish people. They definitely belong to my favourite characters and make all the events in King's Landing even more exciting.

While I really like Brienne I don't care much for yet another long journey with une ...more

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Apr 28, 2011 Kristin rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Better than the last book, not as good as the first. Altogether an interesting story, but the pace of the series is very slow and if GRRM mentions one more banner/sigil, I'm gonna lose it...

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Oct 01, 2017 Charlotte May rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: epic-fantasy, 500-page-plus, favourites

"The world grows a little darker each day."

Still plowing my way through A Song of Ice and Fire! Book 3 part 1 completed! The plots thicken and intermix, a rising host of new characters to cause a stir are introduced and the battles between kings rages on!

Catelyn: with Robb - the King in the North fighting battle after battle. Reeling from the knowledge concerning Winterfell and her two youngest sons, she makes a reckless decision that she hopes will protect her two daughters.

"It was different ...more

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Jun 27, 2015 C.G. Drews rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, audio-books, read-2015, epic-fantasy

OKAY SO I'M DONE PART 1!! I feel a little intimidated since this is, um, a 600-page part one. Oh gosh. What have I done by getting so embroiled in this series?! THERE IS NO ESCAPE.
But I'm supposed to be reviewing this. Right. Let's get on with it.

A Storm of Swords (so far) has been waaaay better than A Clash of Kings. It's faster! More action! More character development! There haven't been many surprising or awful deaths (at least of the main characters). And some of the barely-introduced-chara ...more

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Jun 19, 2017 Zoe Artemis Spencer Reid rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: book-with-fav-charac, fantasy, fav-series

There is no way I would ever not love any of A Song of Ice and Fire 's book. Once I got obsessed with the first book and love the characters with all my heart, it will goes the same for all its successor. But I have to admit that Part 1 of A Storm of Swords is a bit of slow paced even for a High Fantasy. There are a lot of unnecessary chapters in which the POV dragged in pointless story line, and encounter all these bunch of insignificant characters. Apart from that, this book is fantastic, thos ...more

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Sep 03, 2018 Omar Fadel rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: english

Dark Wings, Dark Words.

This is probably the most less action book in the series by far. But by the end, a lot is happening. Steel and Snow is the first half of A Storm of Swords, the third volume in the series. So its end is just the middle of the book. I am not going to deny, the story-line starts out really boring and slow-paced, but it will pick up its pace soon enough. George R.R. Martin said in a note at the beginning of the book that the opening chapters do not follow the the closing c ...more

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Apr 05, 2017 Hasham Rasool rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: george-r-r-martin, favourites, fiction, historical-fiction, action, fantasy

I enjoy this book. What an awesome book! Alhamdulillah.

I don't really like the scenes especially sex scenes because I feel there are quite lots of sex scenes in this book. I think I might be unexpected to see these scenes are happening in the first part of A Storm of Swords.

This book grabs my attention from the start to the end. I am hooked in A Song of Ice and Fire series.

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Jul 20, 2019 ✨ jamieson ✨ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: owned-books, series-to-complete, 2019-reads, adult, series, fantasy, epic-fantasy

“Why would the stars want to look down on such as me?”

A Storm of Swords is definitely a lot slower than it's predecessors. In this book, there's a sense everything is just on the verge of falling apart, like everyone is moving into position and soon there will be utter chaos. So I enjoyed the scheming, the political machinations, the set-ups and the lore that we get throughout this book - but I also found parts of it quite slow.

My favourite part of this book was definitely the backstory an ...more

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Sep 29, 2018 Beks Counsell rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4.5 stars.

"Old stories are like old friends, she used to say. You have to visit them from time to time."

A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire #3 Part 1 of 2) was a very enjoyable albeit not very eventful book. Despite this it was very riveting and set the perfect stage for the events taking place in the next book. It's so expertly written that it felt as though I was experiencing everything for the first time even after watching the show. I was constantly on edge and cautious 4.5 stars.

"Old stories are like old friends, she used to say. You have to visit them from time to time."

A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire #3 Part 1 of 2) was a very enjoyable albeit not very eventful book. Despite this it was very riveting and set the perfect stage for the events taking place in the next book. It's so expertly written that it felt as though I was experiencing everything for the first time even after watching the show. I was constantly on edge and cautious through-out the whole time reading, waiting for the next death or scheme to reveal itself.

What I admire about Martin's writing skill is his ability to write in several POVs and yet keep the story going without confusing or upsetting the reader's rhythm which makes it a comfortable, easy read. I never wanted to stop reading! I was surprised to find myself liking Sansa and enjoying her chapters as I didn't particularly like her in the show, which I also believe is to the credit of George R R Martin's writing ability.

"All men must die, Jon Snow. But first, we'll live."

Whilst this series is best known for its carnage and violence, I felt that this one was surprisingly tame which is what made it feel like it was somewhat lacking were the other books were not.

The only other negative I have to say about the book is that the under age wedding and intercourse is quite off putting, but is expected as they are present in the other books. I understand that this is the norm for the setting of the story and doesn't hinder the reading experience very much. That being said, if such subjects are sensitive to you I wouldn't recommend this series to you as it is present in many of the books.

"My sister has mistaken me for a mushroom. She keeps me in the dark and feeds me shit."

Something I love very much about these books is that whilst there is a lot of death, violence and gore there is also amazing humour. Tyrion Lannister's wit is one of the most note worthy things to take away from this series. His ability to use sarcasm as a weapon is amazing and inspiring. His sass has no bounds!

So whilst George R R Martin is busy killing, scheming against, maiming and planning revenge against our most beloved characters, at least we'll have a laugh whilst enduring it!

"Some battles are won with swords and spears, others with quills and ravens."

All in all this is another brilliant masterpiece, beautifully written. I cannot wait to continue the series which will no doubt emotionally ruin me but I'll enjoy every second of it! This series does contain sensitive subjects of a sexual nature/abuse so you may wish not to read it. ...more

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May 11, 2012 Josh rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read_2012, fantasy, own, fire_and_ice_series

George R R Martin had fun with this instalment – the evidence is in the dialogue and actions of the characters who manage to find moments of jocularity amidst the chaos of war. Tyrion Lannister is his usual swashbuckling self with a sharper sense of violence honed through bloody battle and everyday dealing with his treacherous domesticated life. Robb Stark breaks an oath and gains comfort of the flesh – a choice sure to have ramifications on the war effort. While King Joffrey continues to echo t George R R Martin had fun with this instalment – the evidence is in the dialogue and actions of the characters who manage to find moments of jocularity amidst the chaos of war. Tyrion Lannister is his usual swashbuckling self with a sharper sense of violence honed through bloody battle and everyday dealing with his treacherous domesticated life. Robb Stark breaks an oath and gains comfort of the flesh – a choice sure to have ramifications on the war effort. While King Joffrey continues to echo the sentiments of a mad King – perhaps his fate will mirror that of Arrys (one can but hope)? Fan favourites continue to evolve (Arya, Jon, Robb Stark, Sansa, Cersei. Davos the Onion Knight etc.) while newer faces begin their slow rise to prominence (such as The Red Viper, Lady in Red, Stannis, Samwell etc.) through an intrinsically finely weaved web of violence, betrayal, magic, love, and duty.

Continuing the series evolution, the fantastical elements are becoming paramount to the core plot with a heavy emphasis on the unnatural and the mythic tales of wet nurses springing true from storybook to reality. There is a subtle beauty to the way Martin sneaks in these creatures of man and monster alike. So gentle is the hand that caresses their introduction that I had to reread certain passages as to ensure I didn’t misinterpret or skim over what was happening (this was not a chore and further enhanced Martins storytelling ability – this book is loaded with worthwhile double-takes). A particular interest of mine is the mysterious landscape over the Wall. Thankfully, the Brothers of the Black, Wildlings, and Others feature relatively frequently in this instalment.

Martin did have a tendency to exhaust the readers’ ability to follow the detailed and elaborate history of his well defined world and complex cast of characters by devoting generous passages to the multitude of back-stories. That said; I did enjoy reading the Kingslayers tale of how is moniker was attained and retained and the perception of his honour that both curses and praises him.

Dubbed as more a companion piece to ‘A Clash of Kings’ rather than a true sequel (as per the author intro) with chapters detailing events amidst the feverish battles of the previous book, I felt ‘A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow’ actually worked well as a sequel as many of its entries were a direct result of the preceding books outcomes. Much like the previous instalments, if not more so, ‘A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow’ has left me craving more of this world and its deep and violent history – 4 stars. ...more

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Feb 07, 2013 Paul rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-2014

Westeros is still in the grip of the War. Joffrey Baratheon holds the Iron Throne, but Robb Stark, Balon Greyjoy and Stannis Baratheon, jostle for their claim with blood and steel. Catelyn Stark has released Jaime Lannister as an exchange for her daughters, Sansa and Arya, who she still believes are at King's Landing. Having been victorious until now, Robb Stark suffers setbacks, and learns that Winterfell has been taken, and his other brothers are now presumed dead.

In the North the Wildlings ar ...more

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Apr 18, 2012 Kirstine rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, 1-men, reviewed

It is a good book.
Rationally I know this. And I did enjoy it. There are some great characters, great stories and great writing. It's a very imaginative and epic tale. And it has tons of things I love, like dragons and sword fighting and magic and a huge wall of ice AND WILDLINGS. Rationally I know this.

But.. My emotional response?
Too many characters.
Too many storylines.
Too many things happening in different places.
AHHH. My poor head.

The things is, I care about too few of the PoV characters It is a good book.
Rationally I know this. And I did enjoy it. There are some great characters, great stories and great writing. It's a very imaginative and epic tale. And it has tons of things I love, like dragons and sword fighting and magic and a huge wall of ice AND WILDLINGS. Rationally I know this.

But.. My emotional response?
Too many characters.
Too many storylines.
Too many things happening in different places.
AHHH. My poor head.

The things is, I care about too few of the PoV characters in these books to make any of them a quick read. I'm sorry, but the individual chapters are simply too short for me to properly bond with anyone who doesn't possess a personality that naturally resonates with me.

And it's so frustrating, because I find most of the storylines (and characters) exciting and compelling, I'm just not getting enough of any of them to really get into it. They're like sub-stories, with some a vague (or not so vague) relation to a main story that's hinted at (ALL THE TIME), but won't be revealed till the final book AND IT IS SO ANNOYING.
Because am I supposed to read each chapter, because I care about said character and want to know what happens to them? Because I don't. You can't give me 10 pages for every 100 I read and expect me to emotionally bond with ALL (or any) of them. I'll hand it to Martin that he writes all of the characters well, despite them all being so different. They all have their own voices, and that is the mark of a great writer. It's not that the chapters are bad (although some are more exciting than others) it's that they're too short.

It's a matter of personal taste, of course. I'd simply prefer fewer PoV characters and longer PoV chapters, and if that lessens the epic scale of the series, then I'm okay with it.
I'll keep reading though, because Martin is an incredible writer, and I know hanging on will pay of a hundred times in the end, but right now I am very frustrated.

I have hopes that things change with A Feast For Crows and A Dance With Dragons, what with having to split the PoV's up - so more time for each character! - but perhaps things will already get better in the second half. Let's see! ...more

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May 22, 2019 Chris C rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

*UPDATE: I said I would have to come back to this review and sure enough, having just finished the second part of this story, I can confirm this is without a DOUBT a 5 star book as a whole and probably my favouritebook in the series so far.*

I'm probably going to have to come back to this rating once I've finished the second part of this book. I'm rating this 4 stars for now as I'm basing it purely on what I've read so far, however, it would obviously be unfair to not rate this in line with how I ...more

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Dec 12, 2014 Ylenia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommended to Ylenia by: Nena

Shelves: 2015-reads, at-my-old-house, to-unhaul

*4.5 stars*

EPIC AS FUCK.
Can't wait to read part two!

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Mar 12, 2015 Elena rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Yes yes yes! Oh how I love this series!

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Jul 13, 2014 Chris rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: owned-books, favorites, fantasy

After finishing A Clash Of Kings I couldn't contain myself: I had to pick up the first part in The Song of Ice and Fire-series immediately. And... I finished this bad boy in seven days. I loved A Clash Of Kings, but o my god. I can't even begin to explain how much shit goes down in this first volume of the third book (A Storm of Swords is split in two books (in most editions at least), namely: Steel and Snow and Blood and Gold).

"The night is dark and full of terrors, the day bright and beautifu ...more

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Jun 28, 2018 Sam rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This series is amazing. There are still some character's chapters that I dred every time I flip the page. Catelyn and Bran especially. It is still great to see the writing style change between different points of view but knowing how long the chapters are, it is an effort to start every chapter with one of their character names at the beginning. But Jamie, Tyrion, Arya, Samwell and Jon were all constantly exciting. The introduction of two of my favourite characters from the show which is Bad-ass ...more

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Jul 23, 2014 Ashton Jade Gibbs rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: books-turned-movies, already-read-in-2014

A Storm of Sword: Steel and Snow (Part One) – George R.R. Martin

“Martin has captured the imagination of millions.” - Guardian

The above quote which is featured on the front of the book holds so so true. George R.R. Martin is sheer brilliance when it comes to creating an exciting world for readers. Even now, after reading over 2,000 pages of A Song of Ice and Fire, George R.R. Martin is adding details that deepen our knowledge of the land, the history and the people of this spectacular world ...more

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Nov 30, 2016 Janani(ஜனனி) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Thanks to my friends. I need to appreciate their works for trying to spoil me. They watched the series and I'm planning to watch it after reading the books. So you know now, how they threatened to fire the spoilers at me. Sometimes I would be so shocked that I need to know what will happen next immediately as the characters have alternate POVs we won't know until their next. In that case, I will ask them, they will explain so nicely and when I tried to relieve my breath in sigh they would drop t ...more

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Apr 18, 2020 GaelleB rated it really liked it · review of another edition

“Why ask for truth when you close your ears to it?

4,5/5 stars. An awesome book, naturally. I did not give it 5 stars because there were only 3 chapters about my favorite character, Khaleesi (the book is 570 pages long lmao). 🐉

Still enjoyed all the other points of view (except for Bran and Catelyn -_-). And finally, the third tome differs from the TV show so it's much more interesting to read what's added (Hello Oberynn!) as well as the differences! (view spoiler) ...more

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Jan 11, 2016 Nivedita rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, favourite-author, best-women-characters, 2016

THIS WAS EPICCCC!
I cannot wait to read the next one.

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Jun 07, 2020 Jess☺️ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantastic-fantasy

A Storm Of Sword's 1 :Steel And Snow by George R.R. Martin is book 3 part 1 in the Bloody, fun and exciting series of Game Of Thrones.
It definitely lives up to the first two books and continues to entertain and entrap us, with character's you just love to hate and scenes so detailed it pulls you along for a great ride 👍
Definitely a series worth reading 📖

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Sep 24, 2019 Darce rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-stars, kick-ass-heroines, fantasy-adventure

**spoilers**
Also I posted this same review on a different book (the 3rd one) whereas I meant to post it on book 3: part 1, sorry about that!

Another fascinating and captivating book by GRRM with some the best characters ever written about! Realistic characters, a clever storyline and some amazing creatures come to life in this brilliant series.

Storyline so that I remember when I start the next book:
Jon Snow is becoming a spy for the night watch but slowly falling into the life of the wildings, B ...more

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May 26, 2016 Hissa rated it liked it · review of another edition

The first book is still my favorite one:(

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May 24, 2010 Lisa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: own, interesting-women, 2010, faves, book-crushes, fantasy, heroines-i-heart, into-the-mud

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 12, 2015 Sonja ✧･ﾟ｡★*☾ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: own, magical-writing, awesomesauce, epic-fantasy, fantasy, favourite, adult

time slept when swords woke

I'm loving the way the series progresses. There is not a single boring moment. I'm off to Part 2. Ciao.

P.S.
A Song of Ice and Fire is a series that won't disappoint. It only gets better and better. Promise. If you can't accept that as a fact of LIFE then all I've got to say to you is this:

"You know nothing, Jon Snow."

A Song of Ice and Fire (Book Reviews)
1. A Game of Thrones: 5 Great First Stars
2. A Clash of Kings: 5 Royal Stars
3.2 A Storm of Swords Pt. 2: 5 B ...more

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Jun 18, 2017 Laura rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 24, 2019 Sundus rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The world grows a little darker every day

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May 18, 2020 Baba rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-let-it-be-your-fantasy

Book 3 of the 'Game of Thrones' series. As Winter continues to approach we catch up with the ongoing saga of many Kings, Queens and the Houses of Lannister, Stark, Baratheon, Arryn, Frey, Martell, Tully, Florent etc. and the the Wildings, Night's Watch and introducing the Outlaws in this wonderfully absorbing saga. 9 out of 12

...more

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About George R.R. Martin

George R.R. Martin

95,961 followers

George R.R. Martin was born September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey. His father was Raymond Collins Martin, a longshoreman, and his mother was Margaret Brady Martin. He has two sisters, Darleen Martin Lapinski and Janet Martin Patten.

Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, George R.R. Martin was born September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey. His father was Raymond Collins Martin, a longshoreman, and his mother was Margaret Brady Martin. He has two sisters, Darleen Martin Lapinski and Janet Martin Patten.

Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: "The Hero," sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.

In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.

As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.

In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.

Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.

Martin's present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, West.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/george... ...more