First published in the pages of Weird Tales in 1934, C.L. Moore's Jirel of Joiry is the first significant female sword and sorcery protagonist and one of the most exciting and evocative characters the genre has ever known. Published alongside seminal works by H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard, the five classic fantasy tales included in this volume easily stand the test of time and often overshadow the storytelling power and emotional impact of stories by Moore's more famous contemporaries. A seminal work from one of fantasy's most important authors, Black God's Kiss is an essential addition to any fantasy library.
"I was looking for tales of dire conflict, hot-blooded honor and impetuosity, leadership and courage--all the qualities that my culture told me were reserved for males... What a joy it was to run across Jirel, who at some levels of my soul I longed desperately to be." --Suzy McKee Charnas
Contents:
Introduction: Where No Man Had Gone Before, by Suzy McKee Charnas
1. Black God's Kiss (1934)
2. Black God's Shadow (1934)
3. Jirel Meets Magic (1935)
4. The Dark Land (1936)
5. Hellsgarde (1939)
6. Quest of the Starstone (1937, z/Henry Kuttner)