Welcome to the Fantasy 100 website where we are devoted to bringing you the very best in fantasy fiction. Here you will find Top 100 lists and short reviews of the all-time greatest fantasy books, films and TV shows. The lists are based on statical surveys of popular polls, award information and critical opinion.
The Book List A statistical survey of fantasy literary awards, noted critics and popular polls. To qualify a book or series has to be generally regarded as fantasy by credible sources and/or recognised as having historical significance to the development of the genre. CLICK HERE to view a complete listing of the most significant book series. (Updated 23 August 2010)
The Film List A statistical survey that includes data from noted critics and popular polls. The qualification rules are similar to those used for the books list and for statistical purposes films in a series are treated in tallies as stand-alones. The exception to this rule is Peter Jackson's outstanding Lord of the Rings trilogy. (Updated 4 June 2010)
The Television List Based on data gathered from a statistical survey and a direct poll of fantasy television experts - including critics, editors and website managers. Shows often classified under other genres but containing significant and notable fantasy content (e.g. The Avengers & The Wild, Wild West) qualify for inclusion on the list. (Updated 14 April 2010)
Ultimately Serviceable The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Fantasy by David Pringle 2008 (Carlton)
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The beloved creator of The Hobbit and 'The Lord of the Rings', Tolkien's genius in the fantasy genre is unsurpassed.
Deeply affected by the pastoralist writings of William Morris, a devout Christian and staunch anti-communist - a superb overview of early influences on Tolkien's literary craftsmanship can be found in the anthology Tales Before Tolkien (2003) edited by Douglas A Anderson.
The accidental discovery of a manuscript of The Hobbit (1937) by a London publishing house proved successful enough for Tolkien to somewhat reluctantly produce his famous Lord of the Rings trilogy. His son Christopher posthumously edited other major unpublished 'Middle-earth' material into The Silmarillion (1977).
The release of Peter Jackson's film trilogy of Lord of the Rings (2001-03) triggered a massive revival of interest in Tolkien's work.
Noted editor David Pringle produces the best of slim pickings in a dearth of decent fantasy reference books.
While John Clute has always specialised in large info-packed speculative fiction encyclopedias, Pringle has typically opted for concise 'coffee table' style tomes full of eye-catching illustrations and design. This volume is no different and, thankfully, it still manages to hit the highlights of fantasy.
The book covers the genre's main authors and there are major entries focusing on key themes. Film and TV get plenty of space, with games also getting some warranted attention. Briefer rundowns of the more famous fantasy characters and places top things off nicely.
Pringle is sometimes accused of having a staunch British bias, but his critical scrutiny is usually frank and informative. As a good intro to fantasy this book fits the bill nicely.
2009 Awards - Novels The Top Performers *********************** The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman Wins: Hugo, Locus, Newbery Shortlists: Mythopoeic, World Fantasy, BFA, GP
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The Samurai 10 13-episode series 1962-65 Senkosha Productions
Samurai star Koichi Ose was so big in Australia when he visited Melbourne he drew a bigger crowd than the Beatles.
Australian society was obviously crumbling, with at least one private school banning the "sadism and cruelty" of Samurai trading cards. Others, however, found sheer beauty in the 17th century Japan where, "the natural and supernatural were woven together in the lives of the people."
The fuss concerned a half-hour afternoon television show following the exploits of Shintaro, a Robin Hood-style master swordsman. His highly-trained ninja opponents perform physically impossible acts and are masters of illusion - getting generally more fantastical with each series.
With 78 episodes posted on the net, the rest of the world can now see for themselves.
