I have never read Zelazny or Delany - recommendations?

[Simbelmynë]

It's criminal, I know. I'm not sure if it's because their names rhyme but they keep niggling at me with equal urgency like two glaring spaces on my bookcase. If I were to read either author what books should I start with? I'm only really aware of Lord of Light and Babel-17.

 

[Harpo]

To get you started, here’s what people said a decade ago

Which Zelazny book to read first?

I have never read Zelazny before but I'm interested in checking out his books. I'm thinking Lord of Light will be a good read. Any others?

www.sffchronicles.com

 

[Elckerlyc]

I have not read much from Delany. Only 1 book that I can recall (vaguely) and that was Babel-17.
Zelazy is a totally different story (and writer). I have read every book from him, several times.
No 2 books of him are the same. It would depend on your preferences to determine with what to start.

 

[Harpo]

There are only a few Delaney threads

https://www.sffchronicles.com/tags/samuel-r-delany/

 

[Christine Wheelwright]

I recommend trying to say 'Delany' after a few glasses of wine. It comes out 'Zelazny'.

 

[BAYLOR]

Damnation Alley by Roger Zelazny
Jack of Shadows by Roger Zelazny
The Last Defender of Camelot by Roger Zelazny

By Samuel Delany

Babel 17
Bove
Triton



I

 

[Montero]

Not read Delaney.
Enjoyed all the Princes in Amber many years ago, including re-reads (must try them again)
Lord of Light enjoyed and on re-reads
A Lonesome Night in October first read a couple of years ago and enjoyed it - sort of a gothic horror.

They do all have something in common, that quite a lot is hidden from the reader and they can be puzzling in places.

 

[hitmouse]

Babel 17 is terrific.

 

[Bick]

The little Delany I've read has been terrific (Nova, Babel-17).
I've struggled with Zelazny - I just don't get on with his stuff; Lord of Light was DNF for me.
So, go with Delany.

 

[BAYLOR]

Damnation Alley by Roger Zelazny
Jack of Shadows by Roger Zelazny
The Last Defender of Camelot by Roger Zelazny

By Samuel Delany

Babel 17
Nova
Triton



I

Another typo.

 

[tinkerdan]

As far as Delany goes, read some of those shorter novels before even thinking about Dhalgren

 

[feralreason]

Nova is the first book I read by Delany and still one of my favorites. Would also recommend Babel 17. (I've read perhaps half of his books. Those 2 stand out for me.) I agree with tinkerdan about Dhalgren -- it is a little a-typical and reads a bit like an experiment he was trying.

 

[Ray Zdybrow]

"Lord Of Light" by Zelazny is a cracking (and mind-blowing) read, and Delany's short stories "Time Considered As A Helix Of Semi-Precious Stones" and "Aye, And Gomorrah".
Zelazny's collaboration with Philip K Dick, "Deus Irae" was also worth reading iirc

 

[Astro Pen]

The Dream Master Zelazny
The Jewels of Aptor Delaney

 

[Finch]

As I have said , on a difrent thread, I'm rereading David Pringle's 100 best SF novels . I'm still reading the first book , it is in date order, Orwell's 1984, pub 1949 . The Dream Master by Roger Zelazny 1966, and Nova by by Samuel R Delany 1968, is on the list . I will give you a detailed review in a couple of years, pleas wait.

 

[tinkerdan]

Some of us could be dead by then.

I will give you a detailed review in a couple of years, pleas wait.

 

[Peppa]

Lord of Light was the first Zelazny book I read, and I found it quite interesting.

But my favourite Zelazny books are Changeling, Lord Demon, A Night in the Lonesome October and Doorways in the Sand.