The phoenix and the mirror

by Avram Davidson

Book Overview

Legend has it that Virgil, author of THE AENEID, was more than a mere poet. Legend has it that he was an adventurer, an alchemist - a magus. Driven to do the bidding of Queen Cornelia of Carsus, who... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0441661556
• Release Date: January 1978
• Publisher: Ace Books
• Length: 275 Pages
• Weight: 0.10 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Vergil and his adventures

In the middle ages a legend sprouted that Vergil (yes, the ld roman) was a great magician. Davidson wrote this novel within this old fantasy setting. Minotaurs and witches abound, but so does a frightfully accurate knowlege of the ancient world. Quite a good read for those who like their historical fiction to be both well grounded and full of fanciful flights.

Through the Looking Glass

This is one of those rare small volumes, which, over time, have become cult classics. Avram Davidson never enjoyed the great popularity of some of his peers, but it should be noted that he enjoys much popularity among his peers. In other words, he is very much a writer's writer. By which I mean that his writing creates even more possibilities than it fulfills.This book develops the medieval myth that Vergil was not simply a great poet, but a master mage living in the time of Augustus Caesar. Davidson's Vergil has the kind of inquisitive mind that has a knack for leading him into trouble. So, it is no surprise that, when he is rescued from being hunted by manticores, his rescuer, Cornelia of Carsus, promptly traps him into agreeing to create a speculum majorum - a mirror made entirely of the purest materials that, on its first use, will reveal whatever the user wishes it to see. Unfortunately, such mirrors are almost impossible to make, requiring raw materials that will send Vergil on a magical quest through the Roman Empire. Eventually the task will lead the mage to Phoenixes, Cyclops, things horrible and beautiful, and finally, to love.What makes this small novel more than just a quaint, entertaining story is the depth of understanding Davidson has of this imaginary world. Not the world of the Roman Empire itself, but the world of the Roman Empire as it was imagined by medieval Europeans. Odd but useful creatures, distant lands with strange names, alchemists and astrologers all abound between these covers. There is no page upon which something arcane and unique is not revealed. In addition, the description of the making of the mirror is precise and accurate for the imaginary world of Hermes Trismegistis and the great works of alchemy.The book is as much a resource for anyone interested in setting a fantasy in this world of the imaginary empire, as it is a jewel-like entertainment in which knowledge is an important part of the action. It is sad to see it always wobbling on the edges of being gone forever as publishers try more and more to substitute adrenalin for writing skills. Hopefully, you will find a copy and love it, and then be led to investigate Davidson's other works. Of such are pleasant hours made.

Excellent: Puts the Magic Back In Fantasy

A mage (in a Rennaissance Earth quite similar to ours) is hired to make a magical item. The plot is OK, but the richness of detail in his many labors to construct the item is absolutely mesmerizing. Highly recommended, especially for fantasy role-players