Books from Various Publishers

This is a Worldbuilders blog.

Today we have more books for the lottery. All of these were donated by their respective publishers, proving they are delightful, thoughtful folks, who will be spared when the revolution comes….

First some books from Del Rey and Bantam.

  • One hardcover set of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin: A Game of Thrones, A Storm of Swords, A Clash of Kings, and A Dance with Dragons. A Storm of Swords is signed by the author.

C’mon. It’s George Martin. I really don’t need to tell you why these books are cool, do I?

  • One first edition hardcover copy of In His Majesty’s Service by Naomi Novik . Signed by the author.

Pat’s note: This is actually collection of three different Temeraire novels. It’s like a hat trick of good bookness.

Temeraire is a terrifically entertaining fantasy novel. Is it hard to imagine a cross between Susanna Clarke, of Norrell and Strange fame, and the late Patrick O’Brian? Not if you’ve read this wonderful, arresting novel.” – Stephen King

  • Three hardcover copies of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn.

“This collectible hardcover contains numerous new features, including an introduction and annotations by author Zahn; exclusive commentary from LucasFilm and Del Rey books; and, not least, a new novella featuring Grand Admiral Thrawn himself. One of the most exciting Star Wars epics of all.” – Barnes and Noble

*     *     *

We have some cool BBC audio productions from AudioGO:

  • Three BBC Box sets: Doctor Who: The BBC Radio Episodes, Classic Radio Sci-F:i The John Wyndham Collection and Classic Radio Sci-Fi: 5 Full Cast Radio Dramatizations.

Pat’s Note: Over the last few years, as I keep getting busier, I listen to more and more audiobooks. Unfortunately, here in the US, radio drama is a largely lost art. But the BBC has a fine tradition of turning out brilliant productions.

Needless to say, I covet these to a ridiculous degree. I was tempted not to put them in the fundraiser at all and just keep them for myself.

Doctor Who: A special slipcase edition containing full-cast BBC radio adventures: “The Paradise of Death,” “The Ghosts of N-Space,” “Exploration Earth – The Time Machine,” and “Slipback.” Also included is the 1975 made-for-LP audio adventure “Doctor Who and the Pescatons” and the 1994 spoof “Whatever Happened To…Susan?”

The John Wyndham Collection includes the acclaimed BBC Radio dramatizations of seven different Wyndham novels. With detailed sleeve notes written by Andrew Pixley recounting the making of the radio adaptations, and Radio Times billings for the original radio broadcasts, this box set is guaranteed to appeal to all fans of radio drama.

The collection of classic dramatizations includes five seminal science fiction classics brought vividly to life with casts including Robert Glenister, William Gaunt, Carleton Hobbs and Gerald Harper. The stories include: Frankenstein, The Time Machine, The Lost World, R.U.R., and Solaris.

*     *     *

Some lovely books from Tachyon Publications:

  • Five copies of The Bible Repairman by Tim Powers.

Pat’s Note: Tim Powers is one of my favorite authors. He’s a brilliant writer and a hell of a nice guy. Not to mention that he really helped me out when I was a helpless newbie author. He taught me a lot about how the publishing world works, and saved me from making a bunch of terrible mistakes.

If you haven’t read his stuff yet, you’re really missing out.

“One of the most original and innovative writers… the quality of Powers prose never falters… His writing defies characterization and he never repeats himself.” – Washington Post Book World

  • One copy of The Secret History of Fantasy edited by Peter S. Beagle. Signed by Peter S. Beagle and Gregory Maguire.

Pat’s Note: I wasn’t aware of this anthology until it showed up for the fundraiser. Now I’m going to have to go buy a copy. If you embiggen the above photo, you can see the all-star cast of authors in this book.

“…set[s] out to rewrite our concept of fantasy, and with the help of some of the world’s best writers, succeeds admirably.” – The Agony Column

“This entrancing book perfectly captures the subconscious logic of fairy tales—you’ll find yourself believing it all, and wishing you could go to these places yourself, with all their wonders and perils.” – Tim Powers

*     *     *

Some from Consortium Books

  • Three copies of Taming Fire by Aaron Pogue. Signed by the author.

“Daven Carrickson grew up as a beggar in the filthy alleys beneath the shadows of the palace. He’s the son of a known thief, disgraced and despised. His only real talent is his ability with a sword. Then Daven receives a new future when Master Claighan invites him to study magic at the Academy, offering to make him into a new kind of soldier….”

  • One set of Gods Tomorrow, Expectation and Restraint by Aaron Pogue. Signed by the author.

“We abandoned privacy and turned databases into something like gods. They listened to our prayers. They met our needs and blessed us with new riches. They watched over us, protected us, and punished the wicked among us. We almost made a paradise. But there were those who tried to hide from the databases’ all-seeing eye….” – From back cover

  • One set of Colors of Deception and Shadows After Midnight by Courtney Cantrell. Signed by the author.

Blood in the shower. Worms in the food. And friends who keep too many secrets.” – From back cover

*     *     *

And last but not least, some novels from Night Shade Books:

  • Five hardcover copies of Agatha H and the Airship City: A Girl Genius Novel by Phil and Kaja Foglio. Signed by the authors.

I’ve talked about my love for Girl Genuis on the blog before. So if you want to see my full gush about the authors, head over there.

Here, let me simply say that this novelization of the comic continues the Foglio’s fine tradition of mad science. Plus there are hunky guys with their shirts off, and zombies, and ladies running about in the scantiest of Victorian underwear (which, admittedly, is more than your average college student wears to class these days.)  Plus there’s more more mad science, and cleverness, and funny, and awesome, and a talking cat.

Seriously. Read Girl Genius.

“A tense adventure fantasy, with magic, intrigue, and engaging characters in a desperate race to cross a deadly mountain range… an exciting original read.” – Martha Wells, Author of The Cloud Roads

“Paolo Bacigalupi is clearly the fifth rider of the Apocalypse-you know, the one who writes science fiction in his spare time.” – Kelly Link, author of Magic for Beginners and Pretty Monsters

*     *     *

Remember, for every 10 dollars you donate on our Team Page, you get a chance to win these books and over a thousand others.

Even better, if you chip in before January 31st of 2012, Worldbuilders will match 50% of your donation. So you’re making the world a better place by half again as much.

To see the other books we’re giving away, as well as our current auctions, and the items we’re selling in the store, you can head over to our main page HERE.

This entry was posted in Worldbuilders 2011By Pat25 Responses

25 Comments

  1. katelyn
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 3:08 AM | Permalink

    So good. Finally able to donate more (thanks financial aid!), and I’m super happy to see that Worldbuilders is matching until the end of January (why did I think it was only until Jan 1?). Anyways, you’re awesome Pat. That’s all.

  2. Posted January 13, 2012 at 3:31 AM | Permalink

    Every time World Builders stuff rolls around, I’m always broke. I guess it’s just the timing. I’ll check out the authors regardless of what’s going on, since I’m apparently so behind on so many great authors. I’m sure I can donate outside the fundraising. I just need to write it down. I’m normally overly picky about charities, but with how you support this one, it makes me want to help out.

  3. Jen-cha
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 3:37 AM | Permalink

    WHEEEEE Doctor Who!!!

    I might be slightly excited. Just a little.

    The family fandom runs deep… My brother named his newborn daughter Amelia. He claims it’s because his wife is related to Amelia Earhart, but I know the truth. She’ll grow up being called “Pond” around here!

  4. brennam
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 3:40 AM | Permalink

    Definitely going to try and bid on the “Song of Ice and Fire” set. By the way, it’s really great that you’re taking your time and money to do this charity, Pat. Most people are too busy on Facebook, or buying snuggies, or whatever the hell to get up and make a difference. I’ve been telling dozens of people to just donate over $10 bucks and they could make a difference in someone else’s life. Thankfully, they’ve responded and i’ve convinced them to pick up your books as well ;).

  5. Posted January 13, 2012 at 3:54 AM | Permalink

    Love the song of Ice and Fire set. Sending you some dragons soon. And still loving reading The Wise Man’s Fear ( lucky enough to have a signed US copy of yours) but there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

  6. jayh
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 6:55 AM | Permalink

    I first read the Anubis Gates by Tim Powers back in the 80’s. Some of the imagery in the book still sticks with me over 20 years later. Great stuff. Sounds like he’s a pretty good guy too.

    And speaking of Girl Genius, you got my wife hooked on the Foglios. And you forgot to mention Really Big Hats.

    Jay

  7. He without a clever name
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 8:01 AM | Permalink

    The Windup Girl. Fantastic title.

    • Little My
      Posted January 13, 2012 at 10:56 AM | Permalink

      Fantastic book, too. Depressing, because believable, but fantastic.

      • justajenjen
        Posted January 14, 2012 at 6:55 AM | Permalink

        Oh yeah, that was a great book, but so sad. I really liked it.

  8. dancer7887
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 10:18 AM | Permalink

    Yay George R.R. Martin set!!!! Too bad they aren’t all signed, but I’ll take it. :)

  9. elmobob14
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 11:17 AM | Permalink

    Plus, you couldn’t tell us why GRRM is so cool! :)

  10. IvoryDoom
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 11:32 AM | Permalink

    Man, I sort of covet those Radio Shows also. I dont understand why they dont have radio shows on anymore…at least on AM! Think you might get some radio shows for sale in the store?

  11. Posted January 13, 2012 at 12:28 PM | Permalink

    The Secret History of Fantasy is excellent. I picked this up at the same time that I bought my very own copy of The Last Unicorn. I fount It interesting to read about Beagle’s view on what fantasy is/should be compared to what the industry has labeled it.

  12. Constance
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 1:31 PM | Permalink

    Waaa. Waaa. Waaaa. I think my jaw dropped into an OH of ‘Want’ several times. I guess another 20 bucks is headed your way, Pat!

  13. rappy7
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 1:57 PM | Permalink

    Thems some good prizes. You’ve outdone yourself with those Martin books. But we have to make a deal. If I win them, you HAVE to read them before handing them over. Within 1 month.

  14. Neville Longbottom
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 2:08 PM | Permalink

    I would commit unspeakable acts to have a signed first edition by Naomi Novik….

  15. TK2187
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 5:37 PM | Permalink

    So this is not on topic at all, but I saw this in an article on io9 today about strange brain disorders and I got really excited b/c this sounds exactly like the plum bob to me:

    “5. Verbal Dysdecorum Patients Can’t Censor Themselves
    This syndrome was first observed in a Vietnam veteran who demonstrated exactly what happens when you don’t constantly censor yourself at your job: You get fired. You get fired over and over until finally someone sends you to a doctor. This particular case was steered towards psychology — rather than an etiquette book — because the soldier had been shot in the head years before. The right front part of the brain has something in it that allows people to consider their words and quietly keep the socially unhelpful ones inside. Other injuries to this area of the brain have caused similar responses. Some injuries expand beyond the verbal into actual social dysdecorum, which includes inappropriate and ill-considered actions, verging on complete sociopathy.”

    A search for social dysdecorum turned up a link to this paper:
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21480024

    I apologize for the off-topic-ness but wasn’t really sure where else to share ^.^;;

  16. rjleduc
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 7:29 PM | Permalink

    Damn you Patrick Rothfuss!

    You had to mention the “Girl Genius” comic!

    I innocently strolled over to the site and lost 2 hours of my life!

    I was suppose to be reviewing my student’s thesis!

    Damn that site is good!

    ok, no more visits until end of term!

    Ryan

    p.s. thanks for the heads up. I think. Damn dangerous site!

  17. Little My
    Posted January 13, 2012 at 7:51 PM | Permalink

    Hey Pat! Congratulations on the #1 Reader’s Choice award at Tor!

  18. Marina
    Posted January 14, 2012 at 9:51 AM | Permalink

    Hi, Pat. I’m excited to see WorldBuilders again. I’ve always been a big fan of volunteering, but very rarely found organizations to which I felt I could give money, as not enough of it makes it to the actual recipient. Thank you for introducing me to Heifer. My newborn was 6 weeks old at Christmas, and my favorite gift that she received was a donation in her name to Heifer. It’s nice to know that people listen when I pimp Heifer at them :)

    Recently I found a new charity that I’m going to give equal time to – it’s local to my area, and it’s called “Scares that Care” – it’s aimed towards horror fans, and they do drawings and giveaways in much the same way you do. Most importantly, it’s a 100% volunteer organization, which means that every cent they make goes to the end user – who are 3 families in the community who are suffering from severe health issues. 100%. That’s a big deal.

    Would you be willing to sign a book for them for one of their drawings? I’ll be glad to pay for the book, and for the shipping. Not to kiss up (much) or anything, but I know an autographed copy of your book would bring even more donations.

    I would not normally make a donation request when you’re fundraising…it feels tacky, I suppose. Yesterday (Friday the 13th) was one of their big fundraising pushes, though, and I’m feeling inspired.

    As added incentive, I will email you an adorable picture of my new baby should you agree to do this. Actually, lets be honest – I’ll send you her picture anyway, as I’ve gotten enough delight from pics of Oot that I feel you are owed, sir.

    Regardless of your choice here, I thank you for your WorldBuilders work. It’s nice to be inspired on a regularly scheduled basis.

    ~Marina

  19. Marina
    Posted January 14, 2012 at 9:53 AM | Permalink

    Oh! The Scares that Care site: http://scaresthatcare.org/site/

  20. Posted January 14, 2012 at 2:23 PM | Permalink

    Hi Patrick,

    My wife has just finished The Name of the Wind in Portuguese and can’t wait to read the next one. She saw it in Spanish yesterday and was sad. Is there any plans to release it in Portuguese?

    Abraco

  21. AO_22
    Posted January 14, 2012 at 8:19 PM | Permalink

    The Naomi Novik omnibus, ‘In His Majesty’s Service’ also includes an exclusive original Temeraire short story.

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