P. C. Hodgell

I was introduced to the works of Hodgell by my freshman roommate in college. I don't remember the details, but he raved about God Stalk, while noting she was hard to find. Somehow I got a copy -- Spectre library? used bookstore? -- and read it. I think the first time through, I enjoyed it, but wasn't blown away. But then, for some reason, I re-read it.

After which I had to find a copy of Dark of the Moon, and found out that she was being published by Hypatia Press (some guy in northern California) in fancy expensive editions with nice color plates of her art, and I got sets for myself and Spectre -- the first two books, the third Seeker's Mask which first saw print in fancyedition, plus her short story collection Blood and Ivory. I also found and would snatch up copies of the paperbacks, and lend God Stalk out to lots of friends, who generally enjoyed it though without being addicted. I gave a couple of my paperbacks to two friends, as part of their set of wedding presents. It's the book I've lent out or recommended the most, though McKinley's Sunshine is getting up there.

Well, Hypatia went out of business, but another small publisher, Meisha Merlin, picked her up, printing in cheaper omnibus editions (Dark of the Gods) and an expanded short story book. MM had a whole stable of small-time authors, like the Liaden/Korval books of Lee and Miller, another cult. MM also printed the fourth novel, To Ride A Rathorn -- one novel per publisher.

Then they went out of business. The moon was draped in shadows. Though I note their website doesn't look dead.

Then Baen came! Available as Webscriptions since April, and word now is that they've bought her next book, and will be printing the others, on real paper. I see they've taken in Lee and Miller as well. And The Black Throne, the Zelazny/Saberhagen/Edgar Allen Poe book. Though A Night in the Lonesome October seems to be really out of print, which is very sad.

At any rate, thank you, Baen Books.

Bloomingtonians who want to borrow my Hodgells can.