Powers: Secret Histories

by John Berlyne (Editor), William Ashbless (Contributor), James P. Blaylock (Contributor)

A book that essentially redefines the term 'bibliography', Secret Histories has been nearly ten years in the making and brings together an astonishing range of Powers ephemera - a huge treat and a remarkable resource for both fans and collectors alike.

As well as a complete, illustrated reference of every Tim Powers book published to date, Secret Histories offers an extraordinary insight into the stories behind the stories, collecting together in a single volume Powers material previously seen only in private collections.

Poetry, drawings, research and plotting notes, novel outlines, early drafts, out-takes and an excerpt from the author's unpublished 1974 novel, To Serve in Hell.

Supporting these riches are story notes and commentary by Powers himself and you'll also find articles and essays from collaborators, friends and renowned Powers aficionados including Dean Koontz, Jim Blaylock, China Miéville, Karen Joy Fowler, John Bierer, John Berlyne and William Ashless. Powers: Secret Histories is an unprecedented bibliographic tribute celebrating the work of a truly extraordinary writer.

Genres: Fantasy

569 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhaustive is the best word to apply to this look at all editions of Tim Powers' books as of 2009. For book collectors, this means variant covers, first edition details, and so on. For fans of Powers works, the real meat is in the appendix (which is longer than the bibliography) which include several essays by other authors on Powers. There's Powers' own outlines for novels, showing that he is definitely not a pantser. There's also Powers' character sketches which are actual sketches -- and Scott Crane does not look the way that I pictured him!

[Karlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A curious read for me; I've never read a Bibliography of an Author before this book. The quality of the material is first rate as Berlyne clearly has deep affection for Powers' writting, and the presentation of the material is first rate.

It inspired me to re-read Anubis Gates, as the background on each book (including details on how it was developed) was wonderful.

[Trish Graboske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous! Tim Powers's book outlines can be longer than the finished books. And he is an amazing artist. Note: add footnote on page 464: "gluers" refers to James Blaylock, Paper Grail.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique bio, especially good for those who dig the process of putting a piece of literature together.

Cheers.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok this is one for the true Tim Powers fan - it is little more that a huge scrap book of details about his first books published (ok nearly all of them but it will become dated as new ones are added) all the same i love it - it is beautifully put together - a wealth of information and the details on the books is second to none. I for one love it.