The World of Shannara [Hardcover]

I really liked this book because it covers a lot of ground. It includes: 1) An overview of the history of the world. There is a brief tantalizing hint that Terry Brooks' Word and Void series might actually be a prequel to the Shannara books, in that demons are blamed for setting off the Great Wars that destroyed the Old World of Man, otherwise known as our modern-day world. 2) A history of the Druids, complete with blueprints of Paranor and profiles of key figures such as Allanon, Bremen, Walker Boh, Cogline, and founder Galaphile. 3) A chapter on the mysterious Realm of the Dead and Hall of Kings. 4) A history of the Southland, home to Man and the Federation, and a place that has not been featured much in the books. 5) An outline of the Ohmsford and Leah families, complete with a giant Ohmsford family tree. 6) A history of the Borderlands, from the kingdom of Callahorn to the Free Born. 7) A history of the Northland, home to Trolls and the former lair of the Warlock Lord. 8) A history of the Eastland, including the evolution of the dwarf nation and it's battle with human and gnome invaders. 9) A history of the Westland, including a long look at the Elves and a chapter on Wing Riders and Rovers. 10) A brief overview of the new continent of Parkasia featured in the Jerle Shannara books and of Faerie creatures such as the King of the Silver River and demons like the Furies.

My favorite parts: 1) The full map of the world. 2) The beautiful pictures of Amberle Elessedil and the Ellcrys Tree, the Meade Garden of the Dwarves, fighting Rocs, and the big-breasted witch sisters of the Wilderun. 3) Pictures and background on the Trolls, Dwarves, Southland Federation, and Skull Bearers. My least favorite parts: 1) A silly portrait of Brin Ohmsford that made her look like a mall brat. 2) No pictures of Gnomes, Urdas, Spider Gnomes, or Mwellrats. 3) The repetition.

All in all, this is a great companion book. But you should only get it if you've read all the books, otherwise there are spoilers galore.

I have (over the years) developed a basic mental image of what many places and things look like in my minds eye and there are a few that do not meet up with the description I had conjured up in my own imagination, but that didn't stop my enjoyment of learning quite a bit about the history behind the 4 Lands portrayed (along with Parkasia) over the past 26 years in the World of Shannara.

The maps alone were of great interest. Major detail regarding the Druids Keep (VERY well done) and I also very much enjoyed the hundreds of drawings (some color, some black & white) which helped to put a detailed face with the description of many of the best loved Shannara characters over the years such as Garret Jax, The Ilse Witch, The Dagda Mor and even Creepers.

I must admit that since it was written by someone as though they had miraculous never-before-seen access to the Druid Histories it gave the book a more novel-like feel to it, and made it seem much more realistic, as though the authors were documenting a REAL place and not one from a fertile imagination. Very clever and I just cannot get over the incredible attention to detail regarding even some of the most mundane portions of these novels.

Ever wonder about Wren Elessedil and her mentor the Rover Garth? How 'bout the Loden Elfstone for use in time of need. Curious about the Ellcrys Staff, the gift of living wood? What about the history of the Borderlands and those who inhabit that land? It's ALL here -- and a whole LOT more. One thing you do NOT want to do is buy this book expecting an entirely different Shannara tale or something that will add to what has already been written and published. The World of Shannara is nothing more than a companion volume which simply put compiles in one single book the major details regarding ALL of the books (written at the time it was printed). It's a great way to quickly reference virtually any major subject in the vast collection of Shannara tales that have been told. I have no doubt that an expanded edition will be made available within a few years with additional information collected from the more recent novels, but until then, this book will do just fine.

I am very satisfied with my copy of 'The World of Shannara' and as usual, look forward to Terry's next venture into this wonderful fantasy land.