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Gerin the Fox #2-3
Wisdom of the Fox
Gerin the Fox would like nothing better than to lead a quiet life of study, but the murder of his father and brother will leave him the sole baron of Fox Keep, which he must lead into war against the barbarous Trokmoi and the Empire of Elabon. Original.
608 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 1999
About the author
Harry Turtledove
573 books2,051 followersDr Harry Norman Turtledove is an American novelist, who has produced a sizeable number of works in several genres including alternate history, historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction.
Harry Turtledove attended UCLA, where he received a Ph.D. in Byzantine history in 1977.
Turtledove has been dubbed "The Master of Alternate History". Within this genre he is known both for creating original scenarios: such as survival of the Byzantine Empire; an alien invasion in the middle of the World War II; and for giving a fresh and original treatment to themes previously dealt with by other authors, such as the victory of the South in the American Civil War; and of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
His novels have been credited with bringing alternate history into the mainstream. His style of alternate history has a strong military theme.
Harry Turtledove attended UCLA, where he received a Ph.D. in Byzantine history in 1977.
Turtledove has been dubbed "The Master of Alternate History". Within this genre he is known both for creating original scenarios: such as survival of the Byzantine Empire; an alien invasion in the middle of the World War II; and for giving a fresh and original treatment to themes previously dealt with by other authors, such as the victory of the South in the American Civil War; and of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
His novels have been credited with bringing alternate history into the mainstream. His style of alternate history has a strong military theme.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 18, 2016
The book contains two stories: "Werenight" and "Prince of the North". They dovetail, so it's almost like you get one book, but with a time break in the middle.
Both are typical Turtledove page-turners. I went to bed late several nights while reading it and I've put it into my "read again" library.
Actually, what I've got is an updated version as an eBook. The story is supposedly the same, but Turtledove re-edited it to clean up his writing using his years of experience since he wrote (and Baen published) the original. No, I don't remember where I got it. The map in the back is almost unreadable (one of the problems of turning it into an eBook).
Both are typical Turtledove page-turners. I went to bed late several nights while reading it and I've put it into my "read again" library.
Actually, what I've got is an updated version as an eBook. The story is supposedly the same, but Turtledove re-edited it to clean up his writing using his years of experience since he wrote (and Baen published) the original. No, I don't remember where I got it. The map in the back is almost unreadable (one of the problems of turning it into an eBook).
January 3, 2023
One of the early works by master story teller Harry Turtledove. A fast paced and brilliant story.
April 5, 2024
This early Turtledove work consists of two parts: “Werenight” and “Prince of the North”; and, according to the afterword to “Werenight”, was written in bits and pieces during the 1970’s while Turtledove was working on his doctoral dissertation, and then revised and edited for re-publication in the 1990’s.
Although Turtledove’s major area of study was the Byzantine Empire, as reflected in the “Legion” and “Videssos” books, he obviously did his homework when creating the world of Elabon. It closely mirrors the feudal society of medieval western Europe (especially France) with the ruler’s power and authority dependent, except perhaps for the area extending a few days’ march from the capital city, on the cooperation, goodwill and military strength of the lords, barons and other nobles who controlled more distant areas of the Empire; each of them ruling from his own castle or fortress and, with his knights and retainers, controlling a network of towns and villages or hamlets, populated by serfs and peasants who, engaged in subsistent agriculture and owing allegiance more to the local lord than to the more nebulous and distant figure of the Emperor, kept everyone from starving, paid their taxes in kind, and supplied manpower to supplement levies raised from the ranks of the nobility whenever outside invaders threatened. (It’s likely that Marc Bloch’s “Feudal Society” was one of the works Turtledove consulted when creating this world.)
This is, of course, a work of fantasy, and Turtledove’s premise, accordingly, is that magic works—and that there are various gods and goddesses who can intervene in earthly affairs and whose powers can be invoked by wizards and shamans, for good or ill; that ghosts and monsters are likewise very real, and that, under the right conditions (all the moons in the sky being full at the same time) many men or women can become were-beasts of various sorts and cause all kinds of mischief.
Underlying both parts of the book is the author’s conception, epitomized by Gerin the Fox, of the ideal ruler. Gerin has a strong sense of justice and fairness; mixes sternness with compassion; expects loyalty and submission from his vassals, and fair payment (in kind) from the serfs, in order to maintain the estate; but does not insist on absolute obedience, at all times, regardless of circumstance; and does not impose burdens upon the peasantry so crushing as to leave them impoverished. He is a diplomat, willing to work with (although remaining vigilant) erstwhile enemies, as long as necessary, for the good of all; not vainglorious, readily acknowledging his own limitations as a ruler.
Most importantly, his frame of reference—and his vision—extend far beyond the boundaries of his own personal fiefdom. When thinking of the empire of Elabon, he has an enlightened, perhaps even modern, conception of the function of the state—to protect the lives and property of all its citizens, ensure equal treatment under the law, and make sure all are adequately clothed and fed, and protected from outside enemies (of which, in this universe, there are many, both mundane and supernatural!). Keeping the roads clear and lines of communication open between all parts of the Empire where his influence is felt is but one manifestation of how he tries to accomplish these goals. The most compelling thread running through both parts of the work is how Gerin gradually comes to these realizations and recognizes his own role in bringing this state of affairs about. The end result is that Gerin is respected and obeyed to an ever-increasing degree, and the part of the Elabonian Empire which he controls is better able to confront the many perils and enemies which await it in the next part of the saga, “King of the North”.
***** review by Chuck Graham *****
Although Turtledove’s major area of study was the Byzantine Empire, as reflected in the “Legion” and “Videssos” books, he obviously did his homework when creating the world of Elabon. It closely mirrors the feudal society of medieval western Europe (especially France) with the ruler’s power and authority dependent, except perhaps for the area extending a few days’ march from the capital city, on the cooperation, goodwill and military strength of the lords, barons and other nobles who controlled more distant areas of the Empire; each of them ruling from his own castle or fortress and, with his knights and retainers, controlling a network of towns and villages or hamlets, populated by serfs and peasants who, engaged in subsistent agriculture and owing allegiance more to the local lord than to the more nebulous and distant figure of the Emperor, kept everyone from starving, paid their taxes in kind, and supplied manpower to supplement levies raised from the ranks of the nobility whenever outside invaders threatened. (It’s likely that Marc Bloch’s “Feudal Society” was one of the works Turtledove consulted when creating this world.)
This is, of course, a work of fantasy, and Turtledove’s premise, accordingly, is that magic works—and that there are various gods and goddesses who can intervene in earthly affairs and whose powers can be invoked by wizards and shamans, for good or ill; that ghosts and monsters are likewise very real, and that, under the right conditions (all the moons in the sky being full at the same time) many men or women can become were-beasts of various sorts and cause all kinds of mischief.
Underlying both parts of the book is the author’s conception, epitomized by Gerin the Fox, of the ideal ruler. Gerin has a strong sense of justice and fairness; mixes sternness with compassion; expects loyalty and submission from his vassals, and fair payment (in kind) from the serfs, in order to maintain the estate; but does not insist on absolute obedience, at all times, regardless of circumstance; and does not impose burdens upon the peasantry so crushing as to leave them impoverished. He is a diplomat, willing to work with (although remaining vigilant) erstwhile enemies, as long as necessary, for the good of all; not vainglorious, readily acknowledging his own limitations as a ruler.
Most importantly, his frame of reference—and his vision—extend far beyond the boundaries of his own personal fiefdom. When thinking of the empire of Elabon, he has an enlightened, perhaps even modern, conception of the function of the state—to protect the lives and property of all its citizens, ensure equal treatment under the law, and make sure all are adequately clothed and fed, and protected from outside enemies (of which, in this universe, there are many, both mundane and supernatural!). Keeping the roads clear and lines of communication open between all parts of the Empire where his influence is felt is but one manifestation of how he tries to accomplish these goals. The most compelling thread running through both parts of the work is how Gerin gradually comes to these realizations and recognizes his own role in bringing this state of affairs about. The end result is that Gerin is respected and obeyed to an ever-increasing degree, and the part of the Elabonian Empire which he controls is better able to confront the many perils and enemies which await it in the next part of the saga, “King of the North”.
***** review by Chuck Graham *****
February 8, 2008
This is Harry Turtledove's The Wisdom of the Fox, a sword and sorcery epic which is, as always, grand and sweeping. It is interesting to see the hero, having won fair lady, lose her to a passing horse trader because he didn't pay enough attention to her, being too busy trying to keep the peace in a barbarian-beset land. His sidekick, Van of the Strong Arm, is a perfect echo of the Gaul Viridovix in the Legion Cycle by Turtledove, so perfect that it is distracting at times -- I find myself questioning what book I am reading.
January 8, 2011
As fantasy goes this is really pretty good. I like the characters and the realism of what actual life would have been like in midevil times is great. Love the use of actual wilderness survival techniques in the book. Also I love the wit of some of the characters. Beware if you don't like unrated books. Cause this one is a bit graphic in the love scenes.
January 9, 2017
Somehow it manages to appear dated - it's a "hero wins against incredible odds" story. Pieces of it have a little depth, but mostly it's derring-do and one-liners that make this interesting reading.
Some aspects of thinking about how societies relate to each other make it somewhat more interesting, but mostly it's entertainment.
Some aspects of thinking about how societies relate to each other make it somewhat more interesting, but mostly it's entertainment.
December 12, 2012
Another one I seem somehow to own. I think it came pre-loaded on the Sony, too.
For all that, gave it a 3.75; it was much better than I expected and I might actually read another in the series (this was #6, I think).
For all that, gave it a 3.75; it was much better than I expected and I might actually read another in the series (this was #6, I think).
January 11, 2013
An excellent book, well written and fun to read. I look forward to reading the 2nd compilation in the near future :)
September 24, 2013
Surprisingly funny and complex.
May 2, 2011
Neat world. Enjoyable!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews