Books

Octavo, four volumes, cloth-backed boards. First editions, first printings. Each book is signed on the title page by Wolfe. The complete "The Book of the New Sun," comprising THE SHADOW OF THE TORTURER, THE CLAW OF THE CONCILIATOR, THE SWORD OF THE LICTOR and THE CITADEL OF THE AUTARCH. The first volume won the 1981 World Fantasy award, and was winner of the British Science Fiction Association Award, Novel, 1982; the second won the 1981 Nebula award. Anatomy of Wonder (2004) II-1282. Barron (ed), Fantasy Literature 4A-270. Pringle, Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels 95. Survey of Modern Fantasy Literature I, pp. 154-60. Spine ends of THE SWORD OF THE LICTOR just a bit pushed, else a fine set in fine dust jackets. A lovely set of one of the major works of modern SF. (#168296).

The Book of the New Sun is a series of four science fantasy novels or one four-volume novel written by American author Gene Wolfe. It inaugurated the so-called 'Solar Cycle' that Wolfe continued by setting other works in the same universe. Narrated by Severian, a disgraced journeyman torturer who rises to the position of Autarch, the story involves themes of time travel, theology, and the nature of reality.