The Mammoth Book of Short Fantasy Novels by Isaac Asimov (rare books)

Book Summary

The Mammoth Book of Short Fantasy Novels is a rich anthology that brings together a collection of outstanding fantasy novellas and short novels by some of the most celebrated authors in the genre. Edited by Isaac Asimov, Martin H. Greenberg, and Charles G. Waugh, the book features works that span various subgenres of fantasy—from high fantasy and sword-and-sorcery to mythic tales and magical realism. Each story is carefully selected to represent both the diversity and literary quality of fantasy fiction, offering readers imaginative worlds, compelling characters, and epic adventures in a concise format. While not written by Asimov himself, his editorial contribution lends weight and context to the collection. The anthology includes classic and lesser-known works alike, making it a treasure trove for both longtime fantasy fans and newcomers seeking an introduction to the genre.

13 Short Fantasy Novels from the masters

POUL ANDERSON The Gate of the Flying Knives

A Thieves' World tale wherein the rewards of chivalry are not what they seem.

SUZY MCKEE CHARNAS Unicorn Tapestry

The tale of a modern-day meeting with a vampire.

AVRAM DAVIDSON Sleep Well of Nights

A prophetic dream leads to hidden treasure and buried secrets in the eerie jungles

of South America.

SIR H. RIDER HAGGARD Black Heart and White Heart

An arrogant hunter in Zulu territory learns too late that magic serves those who

believe in its power.

ROBERTE. HOWARD Red Nails

Conan the Cimmerian meets his match in a war to the death between two duelling clans.

JOHN JAKES Storm in a Bottle

drought.

A story of wizardry and betrayal in which a captive attempts to break a curse of

FRITZ LEIBER III Met in Lankhmar

The 1970 Nebula Award winner for Best Novella.

MICHAEL MOORCOCK The Lands Beyond the World

Elric, Prince of Melboné, confronts the powerful magic of an ancestor.

JANET MORRIS

A Man and His God

Another Thieves' World story about Tempus of Sanctuary who triumphs over his

past transgressions.

ANDRE NORTON Spider Silk

A blind woman obtains the secret of exquisite weaving in a dangerous land.

THOMAS BURNETT SWANN Where is the Bird of Fire?

A faun's heartbreaking story of the enchanted land of the gods.

JACK VANCE Guyal of Sfere

Guyal defies a great power in his quest for love and knowledge in a far distant time.

ROGER ZELAZNY Tower of Ice

In a fantastic frozen land a brave knight seeks an evil wizard and saves a princess.

About the Author:

Isaac Asimov (1920–1992) was a prolific Russian-born American author and biochemist, best known for his works of science fiction and popular science. He wrote or edited over 500 books across a wide range of genres, including the Foundation series and Robot series, which helped shape modern science fiction. Asimov was also a skilled editor, curating anthologies that showcased the best of science fiction and fantasy literature. A master of clarity and logic, he was known for making complex ideas accessible to general readers. In his editorial work—such as The Mammoth Book of Short Fantasy Novels—Asimov brought his deep knowledge of genre fiction to bear, helping to highlight important and entertaining works by other authors. His legacy endures not only through his own writing but also through his efforts to promote the work of fellow writers in speculative fiction.