Pattern Language lies in a similar headspace for me. My father gave it to me as a young adult and it deeply impacted well, most everything I think about!
My genre reading was pretty limited up to that point. I failed my Tolkien save against LoTR multiple times during high school.
It's interesting how narrow our slices of pop culture can be and still feel expansive and whole. To this day I've only glanced at Asterix or other European comics. Until some documentary I had no idea how influential 2000AD was in Britain, or here, as DC and Marvel poached British talent.
Cool list. I would argue the Hobbit IS the better book compared to Lord of the Rings. Also, the Drunken Master you cite is Drunken Master II in Hong Kong. The first is also good, though quite different as it's from a much earlier era of HK cinema and Jackie's career.
Pattern Language lies in a similar headspace for me. My father gave it to me as a young adult and it deeply impacted well, most everything I think about!
If you enjoy that, try to track down his mangum opus The Nature of Order!
Ignore the footnotes in Jonathan Strange ?! what madness is this?
Some of these were new to me. Will have to check them out.
It also is inspiring me to think about what my influences are. Something I haven't really considered before.
Thanks, Ben!
Interesting that The Hobbit is the only story on Ben’s list that is also on the original Appendix N.
True! I hadn't read much appendix N until later in life
My version, posted only yesterday, runs up through roughly the time I started playing RPGs as an undergrad.
https://randallhayes.substack.com/p/appendix-r
My genre reading was pretty limited up to that point. I failed my Tolkien save against LoTR multiple times during high school.
It's interesting how narrow our slices of pop culture can be and still feel expansive and whole. To this day I've only glanced at Asterix or other European comics. Until some documentary I had no idea how influential 2000AD was in Britain, or here, as DC and Marvel poached British talent.
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This sounds fun! I should do it too!
Great Article.
Really agree about Space Hulk. Think it's one of the best board games ever made. It succeeds on so many levels.
Grim Fandango is a masterpiece.
Princess Mononoke is probably the best anime film of all time. It's themes, it's story; it's beautiful.
Based on what you like some recommendations...:
-The Star's my destination, Alfred Bester
-A fire Upon the Deep, Verner Vinge
Both amazing Sci fi novels, consistantly ranked in the greatest of all time, that explore fantastic concepts.
The Sandman series, Neil Gaiman
-Neil is in a bit of trouble at the moment, but his magnum opus is still glorious. A complete Joy to read, and his 'Death' character is inspired.
Briad and the Witness by Jonathan Blow
-If you like puzzle games these are the best...
Best dude
Some really good choices there. I love The Stars My Destination, but I haven't read Vinge.
Sandman is a bit hit or miss, but this hits really hit.
Loved Braid and the Witness
No sword and sorcery. No Conan or Elric. Interesting, and pretty cool actually. It has me thinking about what my influences REALLY are.
Yeah, I only started reading those in the last 5 years or so
Cool list. I would argue the Hobbit IS the better book compared to Lord of the Rings. Also, the Drunken Master you cite is Drunken Master II in Hong Kong. The first is also good, though quite different as it's from a much earlier era of HK cinema and Jackie's career.
Love to see similar influences in Calvin & Hobbes, Morrowind, and Riven! Great write-up! :)