MAGIC ITHKAR 2 [Paperback]

I believe there were only four 'Magic in Ithkar' volumes, which is a shame because Norton and Adams did a great job of soliciting (and editing?) these commonly-themed fantasy shorts. Each of the four collections has the same prologue by Robert Adams, which explains how the fair originated in Ithkar (a religious anniversary turned pilgrimage), the set-up (temple, campgrounds for the merchants, docks and canals for the riparian traffic, etc.), and the difficulties encountered on a pilgrimage or trading voyage to Ithkar (Death Swamp, dragons, outlaw wizards). All weapons must be surrendered before entering the fair and wizards are discouraged from glamorizing shoddy goods with their spells. Of course, as at any large festival, the fair at Ithkar has its share of rogues, piratical merchants, bravos, potion-makers and witches, troupes of entertainers (not a few of them turning tricks), and gullible pilgrims.

The stories:

"Flux of Fortune"--Mildred Downey Broxon: a rather grim lead-off story that parallels the non-fiction book, The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic--and How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World by Steven Johnson. The story of a well-travelled physician, Ithkar's communal water supply, and bad sanitation.

"Geydelle's Protective"--Lin Carter: A mage who is known for his mischievous pranks attempts to steal a powerful talisman.

"If There Be Magic"--Marylois Dunn: Ferrol, a dealer in herbs has a hand maimed in a childhood accident, but she does not believe in magic. She is finally persuaded to visit a powerful magician, in company with a priestess and a lovely young woman who is not as she seems. All three get their fondest desire. Very Nortonish, except I don't think the least virtuous of the trio would have gotten rewarded for her cruel behavior.

"Babes on Bawd Way"--George Alec Effinger: A beautiful young woman, fresh off the farm wants to become a bawd, but no man seems to be interested in her. Her new protector (also fresh off of the farm) consults a magician.

"Sardofa's Horseshoes--Gregory Frost: an evil servant of Thotharn wants to destroy the Lordly Ones' temple with the aid of a flying horse.

"The Ruby Wand of Asrazel"--Joseph Green: a young man who makes a living stealing jewels from raptors' nests must decide what to do with his latest, greatest find.

"Bird of Paradise"--Linda Haldeman: An aviary owner, a gypsy, and a boatman all secretly worship the Earth Mother in a city dedicated to the Sky Lords. If you like Gabriel García Márquez, you will probably like this story.

"Flaming-Arrow"--R.A. Lafferty: While Peter Flaming-Arrow rides the updrafts in a boat without a bottom, his covenanted familiar, a mouse, remains behind to fulfill a prophecy. You may read this cock-eyed Lafferty story many times and still not figure it out. It's fun, though.

"The Shaman Flute"--Shariann Lewitt: A young steppe rider, who is also an apprentice-shaman comes to the Fair to buy sheep for his demon-haunted clan. An enemy treads on his shadow even here. My favorite story.

"Shadow Quest"--Brad Linaweaver: When an apprentice magician accidentally conjures up a monstrous snake-bird, his master sends him on a dangerous quest.

"Kissmeowt and the Healing Friar"--A.R. Major: A healing friar seeks his colleague's murderer with the help of a telepathic cat, dog, horse, rat, and a cut-purse he raised from the dead.

"The Cards of Eldrianza"--Mary H. Schaub: Eldrianza the fortune-teller dies on the way to the Fair, and her inexperienced young assistant, Kereth must take her place.

"The Marbled Horn"--Lynn Ward: Gray Eyes, servant to a worker of bone and horn must find her master's favorite carving which was stolen on their first day in Ithkar.

"Magic in Ithkar 2"
This anthology of shared fantasy world stories consist of 13 tales. Of interest is that five of the authors never published another story. Nonetheless I found this an entertaining book to read. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the stories and how closely each author adhered to the world-view set down by the editor in the prologue. If you are interested in this book see my series summary listed below:

PUBLISHING FACTS:
The "Magic in Ithkar" book series consist of 4 titles: "Magic in Ithkar"; "Magic in Ithkar 2"; "Magic in Ithkar 3" and "Magic in Ithkar 4". The first, second and third books in the series were published as a trade paperback; subsequently they were published as a mass-market paperback. Books 4 was only published as a mass-market paperback edition. The books were published during the years 1985-7. The first three volumes had two editions and the last one edition. The last printing of any edition was 1987. Andre Norton and Robert Adams are listed as editors of all 4 books.

THE BOOKS:
All four volumes are anthologies of shared fantasy world stories. That is they all take place with a common background, which is detailed in a prologue. In fact each book starts with an identical 9 pages prologue by Robert Adams. We are informed that The Three Lordly Ones visited over four centuries age. As a result of this visitation and subsequent pilgrimages, a temple was erected and priesthood to services the worshipers evolved. A yearly fair around the temple provides mercantile opportunities for tradesmen and pilgrims alike. The location is earth-like but not our Earth. Having read all four books I can attest that all the stories, 55 in all, closely adhere to the fantasy world described in the prologue.
Each volume includes a useful map of the Fair and the temple environs. At the end of the book is a short paragraph about the authors.

THE AUTHORS:
The vast majority of the authors are women and the leading role, as you would suspect, and mostly young ladies. The majority of the authors have many additional titles listed on their ISFDB page although I did find eight authors who have no other credits other that their Ithkar story.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
This is an interesting concept: create a fantasy world centered around a country fair combined with a pilgrimage, add in magic elements, religious conflicts, no technology, semi-feudal and agrarian elements. Most of the stories are good, and a few almost outstanding. Considering the dates of initial publication, 1985-7, even the 'name" authors were almost rookies. If this is your cup of tea I would recommend the series for your consideration and reading pleasure.

Mildred Downey Broxon, Lin Carter, Marylois Dunn, George Alec Effinger, Gregory Frost, Joseph Green, Linda Haldeman, R.A. Lafferty, Shariann Lewitt, Brad Linaweaver, A.R. Major, Mary H. Schaub, and Lynn Ward.