Books by Avram Davidson

MUTINY IN SPACE began as a novella entitled "Valentine's Planet," which appeared in the August 1964 issue of Worlds of Tomorrow."To space opera of the time, the character of the captain was as important as that of the king was to Shakespeare. He (the captain was always a "he," even when the author was female) was the model and exemplar for society, the man with the right stuff, he who made the tough decisions and enforced discipline?

MUTINY IN SPACE began as a novella entitled "Valentine's Planet," which appeared in the August 1964 issue of Worlds of Tomorrow. "To space opera of the time, the character of the captain was as important as that of the king was to Shakespeare. He (the captain was always a "he," even when the author was female) was the model and exemplar for society, the man with the right stuff, he who made the tough decisions and enforced discipline?

In a fantastic, imaginary version of Eastern Europe during the decline of the Roman Empire in the sixth century, Peregrine, an illegitimate son of the king of Sapodilla, is sent into exile--his country's traditional way of helping clear the way for the succession of the legitimate heir. Accompanying him on his quest to seek his fortune is the eccentric sorcerer Appledore and the squire Claud, who conceals a keen intelligence under a pose of feeblemindedness. The three encounter the myriad perils of the era, particularly the many belligerently feuding primitive Christian sects, the roving imperial armies, surprisingly prurient vestal virgins, and wandering barbarian hordes, including what one critic calls "the jolliest Hun to ever pillage the countryside."[

Marco Polo and the Sleeping Beauty is a historical fantasy novel co-authored by Avram Davidson and Grania Davis, first published in 1988. Set during the 13th century, the story follows Marco Polo and his family-his father Niccolò and his uncle Maffeo-who, after a decade in the service of Kublai Khan, seek permission to return to Venice. The aging Khan agrees, but on the condition that they undertake one final mission: to deliver a mysterious gift to a distant land. This quest leads them into a realm where myth and reality intertwine, encountering enchantments reminiscent of the Sleeping Beauty legend.

Masters of the Maze by Avram Davidson is a science fiction novel that explores the concept of a mysterious, interdimensional maze used to protect Earth from alien invaders. The story follows the protagonist, Jung Mariner, as he navigates the maze, encountering strange beings and dangers along the way. The novel combines elements of mystery, adventure, and speculative fiction, with Davidson's trademark wit and rich, imaginative world-building.

Rork! is a science fiction novel that follows Ran Lomar, an interplanetary government official from Earth assigned to Pia 2, a remote frontier planet. His mission is to investigate a decline in the harvest of redwing, a valuable medicinal plant cultivated by the planet's colonists and the indigenous Tocks. As Lomar delves into the complexities of Pia 2's society, he becomes entangled in local customs, confronts the mysterious and feared native creatures known as Rorks, and faces challenges that test his resolve and understanding of this isolated world.

Avram Davidson was an American writer known for his distinctive contributions to science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction. His work is characterized by rich, often intricate prose, blending humor, erudition, and imagination. Davidson's stories frequently feature obscure historical settings, mythological elements, and esoteric knowledge, making his writing unique in speculative fiction. Notable works include The Phoenix and the Mirror and The Adventures of Doctor Eszterhazy, both of which showcase his talent for blending genres.

Joyleg is a science fiction novel co-authored by Avram Davidson and Ward Moore, first serialized in Fantastic magazine in 1962 and later published in paperback by Pyramid Books the same year. The story follows Isachar Joyleg, a man discovered in the Appalachian backwoods who appears to be over 200 years old, having served in the American Revolutionary War. His longevity is attributed to daily soaks in a special moonshine of his own making. The narrative delves into the comedic and satirical consequences of his discovery, exploring themes of bureaucracy, politics, and the clash between past and present.