The Ides of Octember: A Pictorial Bibliography of Roger Zelazny

The Collected Stories of Roger Zelazny

by Christopher S. Kovacs, David G. Grubbs (Editor), Ann Crimmins (Editor)

The Ides of A Pictorial Bibliography of Roger Zelazny is an essential reference for both collectors and scholars. It includes a comprehensive listing of all English-language publications of Zelazny's fiction and non-fiction. Detailed descriptions of each book are provided so that first editions can be distinguished from later printings. Thumbnail images are included of the covers from every edition of Zelazny's books and from the first publications of his stories and poems in magazines, fanzines, and anthologies. The main index includes every known official, alternate, manuscript, and phantom title associated with Zelazny's works. Additional lists include interviews, Amber memorabilia, audio recordings, limited editions, fanzines, and awards. A secondary bibliography is also included which lists more than 300 essays, theses, and books that have been written about Zelazny and his writings.

Genres: Nonfiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2010

Reviews

[Brok3n · Rating 5 out of 5]

A resource for Zelazny scholars

The Ides of Octember: A Pictorial Bibliography of Roger Zelazny, by Christopher S. Kovacs, is what the subtitle says: A Pictorial Bibliography of Roger Zelazny. It's impressively complete: 405 pages in 25 sections

I. Novels
II. Short Fiction
III. Non-Fiction
...
XXV. Memoirs, Obituaries and Reminiscences

...not to mention several indexes.

It's a "pictorial" bibliography because grayscale thumbnails of each book are included.

The Ides of Octember: A Pictorial Bibliography of Roger Zelazny is a sort of seventh volume of The Collected Stories of Roger Zelazny. Even the spine contains a fragment of Michael Whelan's cover art for the series



designed so as to continue the painting from Volume 6, The Road to Amber, so that it will look just right sitting next to them on your bookshelf.

Blog review.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I got my copy today. I paid for it & was then contacted by NESFA asking what I had paid for & what my address was. Apparently they haven't worked out all the kinks with Paypal, for some reason. I was a little disappointed that my request for confirmation was ignored.

I haven't really read this yet & don't plan to. It's a reference to Zelazny's work, specifically this collection but great for anyone who has a lot of his stuff. I found that the indexes make looking up a particular story very easy. Bold page numbers show you where the thumbnail is, which is very important.

In an earlier review, I noted that the notes say a story was based on cover art & I was sorry that I couldn't see that work. Now I can & very quickly, too. Super cool & made the purchase worthwhile. Just looking at some of the old pulp covers would be of interest to any SF or fantasy fan. Lots of big names & cool covers.

Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed to see that all the thumbnails are in gray scale, not color. It is 400 pages & I'm sure NESFA isn't making any real money on this, but it would have been nice to have been warned in the blurb about this.

I'm not thrilled with it only being available in trade paperback when all the others were nice hardbacks with removable dust covers. Not a huge deal & the cover does blend in nicely, still it would have made the collection classier to have the same style.

Likely, it would have cost twice as much to provide me color & a hard back. (According to the editor, HB would double it & color is just off the charts - no way.) Would I have paid $60? Maybe I would have, but, economics being what they are, I doubt many will buy Ides at the current price. Seriously, how many die-hard Zelazny fans are there with the extra cash in these times? Well, if they ever redo it to the specs I'd like, I hope I'm in the position to buy it.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with it & plan to have it by my side as I read the 6th book & certainly will when I re-read the others.

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent reference book aimed at the serious Zelazny fan who might want to track down the odd printing, interview, or scholastic article. This second edition contains corrections and some of the author's later works.

For me, however, this book became a time machine, transporting me back to college, when I first began seeking out Zelazny's work in used bookstores and thrift shops, determined to read everything I could. I especially enjoyed the different cover variations collected here. Many were familiar, but others were completely new. (Some of that art is cringeworthy, to be honest. But hey, it was the 80s.)

This isn't a necessary book - you can read and enjoy Zelazny without it. However, if you've ever wondered which fanzines he inspired or anthologies he edited, this is a nice collection of information, warmer and more human than a Google search.