Wolfish review
Apr. 23rd, 2008 09:40 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bluegargantuaHi,
So while in Portland, I discovered a collection of adventure pulp fiction by Harold Lamb. Mr. Lamb was historian turned fiction writer turned screenwriter turned biographer, etc. etc.
In the early late 1910's he started a series of stories following the adventure of Khlit the Cossack. [Note: I'm not sure how it's pronounced, I keep seeing it as "klit", but I try not to snigger much] These stories were very well received and greatly enjoyed by many readers including Robert E. Howard (of Conan fame).
Mr. Lamb turned his extensive knowledge of Asian history (aided by the booming research that was coming out of Central Asia at the time) to create a rich and detailed world for his hero to wander through. Eventually, Khlit's saga stretched out over a dozen short stories, a novel or two and encompassed Khlit's allies and relatives.
But Mr. Lamb died in the mid-60's and his adventure stories quickly vanished from publication. All of these stories have been recompiled into a four volume set and I just finished reading the first volumed Wolf of the Steppes. (published by the University of Nebraska Press! Go Big Red!)
Khlit is a fascinating character, not the least of which is that he's in his late 50's or early 60's when the stories start. He's no young hotshot, he's a cunning thinker who relies on his wits and a bold approach over combat. In all the stories, there are only a few actual combat scenes where Khlit fights someone and in half of them he attacks from surprise and in the other half, he pulls some other trickery to make up for his lesser strength and stamina. He has no concern for women or treasure, just a desire to wander about and get into scrapes.
Overall, the stories are all well-plotted and strongly written. There's always a few slick twists and turns along the way. Mr. Lamb applies his expertise with a light hand -- he never shoves his knowledge down our throats, he just weaves it all through the story so that anywhere you migth look, you suddenly find some snippet of history or culture.
It's a good read if you're into some historical adventure fiction
Tom
So while in Portland, I discovered a collection of adventure pulp fiction by Harold Lamb. Mr. Lamb was historian turned fiction writer turned screenwriter turned biographer, etc. etc.
In the early late 1910's he started a series of stories following the adventure of Khlit the Cossack. [Note: I'm not sure how it's pronounced, I keep seeing it as "klit", but I try not to snigger much] These stories were very well received and greatly enjoyed by many readers including Robert E. Howard (of Conan fame).
Mr. Lamb turned his extensive knowledge of Asian history (aided by the booming research that was coming out of Central Asia at the time) to create a rich and detailed world for his hero to wander through. Eventually, Khlit's saga stretched out over a dozen short stories, a novel or two and encompassed Khlit's allies and relatives.
But Mr. Lamb died in the mid-60's and his adventure stories quickly vanished from publication. All of these stories have been recompiled into a four volume set and I just finished reading the first volumed Wolf of the Steppes. (published by the University of Nebraska Press! Go Big Red!)
Khlit is a fascinating character, not the least of which is that he's in his late 50's or early 60's when the stories start. He's no young hotshot, he's a cunning thinker who relies on his wits and a bold approach over combat. In all the stories, there are only a few actual combat scenes where Khlit fights someone and in half of them he attacks from surprise and in the other half, he pulls some other trickery to make up for his lesser strength and stamina. He has no concern for women or treasure, just a desire to wander about and get into scrapes.
Overall, the stories are all well-plotted and strongly written. There's always a few slick twists and turns along the way. Mr. Lamb applies his expertise with a light hand -- he never shoves his knowledge down our throats, he just weaves it all through the story so that anywhere you migth look, you suddenly find some snippet of history or culture.
It's a good read if you're into some historical adventure fiction
Tom
