Appendix N: The Eldritch Roots of Dungeons and Dragons edited by Peter Bebergal. Published by Strange Attractor Press. With cover art by Arik Roper.

Dungeons and Dragons has become a household name. It is firmly embedded in our pop culture. Whether you have played the game or not, you are aware of it. I fall into the second group, but I have known of the game most of my entire life and know many people who play. It is hard to imagine a world without D&D. Within its pages, co-creator Gary Gygax shared a list of stories that inspired him. This list is known as Appendix N.

Peter Bebergal is the editor of Appendix N: The Eldritch Roots of Dungeons and Dragons. In this collection he introduces the reader to D&D, Gary Gygax, and Appendix N. Bebergal explains his introduction to D&D and how he came about choosing titles for this collection. I'm sure this was an arduous task, because no matter what there are always critics waiting in the wings. He explains that everyone has their own list, or Appendix N, based on the stories they have read and enjoyed. I liken this to the bit “7 Dirty Words” by the late George Carlin. Carlin explains that there are seven words you cannot say on television and radio, but goes on to say that everyone has their own list of 'dirty' words. Much is the same with works of fiction. Everyone has different preferences for what is to be included and what is to be excluded.

Seventeen authors to sample. A veritable who's who of classic sword and sorcery. Some were new to me, some were old classics I've read time and again.

How Sargoth Lay Siege to Zaremm by Lin Carter
Lin Carter is a name many people recognize, and I have enjoyed many of his stories. Although, this piece is terribly short; almost a flash piece. For our protagonist some lessons have to be learned firsthand.

The Tale of Hauk by Poul Anderson
Anderson has yet to disappoint me. This was a treat because I had not read this one before. Hauk is a great warrior, merchant, and explorer. He returns home to find it haunted and terrorized by a revenant. Why is the dead not resting in its slumber?

The Jewels in the Forest by Fritz Leiber
Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser probably need no introduction. This indomitable duo go on a treasure hunt. Unfortunately they aren't the only seekers and the guardian of the treasure isn't what anyone would expect.

Empire of the Necromancers by Clark Ashton Smith
Stop me if you've heard this one before: Two necromancers get run outta town and set up shop smack dab in the middle of a waste, which used to be the home to a vast empire. Who is to stop them with an army of the dead surrounding them?

Turjan of Miir by Jack Vance
I'm a big fan of Jack Vance and his Dying Earth stories! His sorcerers are limited in their magical abilities, but aided by fantastic technology and knowledge from a bygone era. It makes for an intriguing combination.

Hero at the Gates by Tanith Lee
Our hero Cyrion journeys out of the wastes to a city under siege by monster. Prophecy tells of a hero, just such as he, that will deliver the city and be their savior. Mystery and misdirection. Cyrion isn't buying it.

Tower of the Elephant by Robert E. Howard
New in town, Conan seeks the storied treasures in the Tower of the Elephant. He is not prepared for what he finds. I really like this story but I feel like it is a go-to story for collections and that it's been used too often.

Song of Swords by Fred Saberhagen
The only poem chosen for the collection. Bebergal wanted to include Saberhagen, but didn't want to use an excerpt from a novel.

The Dreaming City by Michael Moorcock
The albino leads a motley army to overthrow his cousin and free his beloved from ensorcelment. My favorite part was Elric vowing to give this Age a reason to hate him and his sword, Stormbringer.

The Doom that Came to Sarnath by H.P. Lovecraft
More of a description of this marvel of human endeavor and human folly than an actual story. As a farce, I could see this being drawn up with some nice artwork as a travel brochure. "See the sights! Bask in the history! Get murdered by an elder race!"

Tower of Darkness by David Madison
Diana and Marcus come into town at dusk. The town is empty, boarded up. No one will offer hospitality. Ready to spend the night out of doors, they are offered food and rest at a local temple. Their host is very accommodating. It's going to be a long night of feasting. The mood of this story reminds me of “Southern Lights” by Tanith Lee; which can be found in DMR's collection The Empress of Dreams.

Straggler from Atlantis by Manly Wade Wellman
Kardios washes up on the shore of giants. He is propositioned to fight a stranded monster from beyond the stars. Excellent heroic fantasy story. More Kardios tales can be found in Heroes of Atlantis & Lemuria and Renegade Swords from DMR Books.

The Man who Sold Rope to the Gnoles by Margaret St. Clair
St. Clair is an author that I've never taken the opportunity to read. This short piece seems to have an abundance of dark humor.

Pit of Wings by Ramsey Campbell
Campbell is hard on his protagonist Ryre. Everywhere this dude goes he gets the raw end of the stick. Every single one of his adventures leaves him worse off than the last. “Pit of Wings” doesn't disappoint in this regard. Maybe he should have just stayed home.

Black God's Kiss by C. L. Moore
Joiry is conquered. Jirel is imprisoned. Escaping, she seeks a weapon from the underworld to vanquish her foe. Journeying through a strange, lovely, and sinister world she receives the kiss of the black idol. The Ace Books collection Jirel of Joiry was my introduction to Sword and Sorcery. It still holds a special place with me.

The Fortress Unvanquishable, Save for Sacnoth by Lord Dunsany
Bad dreams sent by an evil wizard. The wizard and his fortress have one weakness, the fabled weapon Sacnoth. A youth is chosen to seek Sacnoth, but that weapon can only be gained by slaying a dragon-like beast in a certain way. Fantastic story. Captures the feel of a fairy tale/legend handed down and embellished over time.

Sword of Dragonis by Frank Brunner
This was a departure from the rest because it was a comic. Dragonis is tasked with the retrieval of a maiden from a wizard. Imprisoned he makes some unlikely acquaintances. Brunner is hard on his characters. This was very short, but made me eager for more.

A very nice collection for fans old and new. Many additional touches in the layout will appeal to avid fans of D&D. A few of the stories in this collection haven't been reprinted often or at all; adding another reason to seek it out. Currently only available in paperback from Amazon and other retailers.