Michael Moorcock
Michael John Moorcock is a prolific British writer primarily known for his work in science fiction and fantasy. He is best known for his creation of the character Elric of Melniboné and his contributions to the genre of sword and sorcery. Moorcock has also edited the influential magazine 'New Worlds' and has written literary novels and non-fiction.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Stormbringer
The Second Book of Elric
In this dark fantasy novel, the protagonist, a brooding and complex anti-hero, is bound to a sentient and malevolent black sword that grants him power and a cursed fate. As he navigates a world filled with gods, magic, and warfare, he is driven by a personal quest that pits him against supernatural forces and the doom that the sword brings. The narrative is rich with existential themes, exploring the nature of good and evil, destiny, and the struggle for personal agency within a universe that is indifferent or even hostile to the individual's desires. The book culminates in epic battles and tragic choices, leaving a lasting impact on the world the protagonist inhabits and on the readers who journey with him.
The 1648th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Gloriana
or The Unfulfill'd Queen
The novel is a rich tapestry of court intrigue, politics, and personal conflicts set in an alternate Elizabethan England. The story centers around the reign of Gloriana, the Queen of Albion, who is the embodiment of her nation's prosperity and peace. Despite her successful rule, Gloriana is plagued by an inner emptiness and a quest for personal fulfillment. The narrative weaves together the lives of various courtiers and foreign dignitaries, each with their own ambitions and desires, as they navigate a labyrinth of power struggles and secret alliances. The queen's quest for satisfaction ultimately leads to a dramatic and unexpected resolution that challenges the very foundation of her kingdom's society and her role within it.
The 3596th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The War Hound And The World's Pain
The Tale of the Eternal Champion
This fantasy novel centers on a disillusioned mercenary during the Thirty Years' War who is tasked by a mysterious being with finding the Holy Grail, an artifact that could alleviate the world's suffering. Embarking on a quest that blurs the lines between heroism and ambition, the protagonist navigates a landscape rife with magic, treachery, and existential dilemmas. His journey is not just a physical one, but also a profound exploration of morality, redemption, and the human condition, set against a backdrop of a Europe torn apart by conflict and chaos.
The 3941st Greatest Book of All Time -
4. The Stealer Of Souls
The First Book of Elric
In this fantasy novel, the protagonist, Elric of Melniboné, a brooding and albino sorcerer-emperor, embarks on a series of perilous adventures driven by his complex relationship with his sentient, soul-drinking sword, Stormbringer. As Elric navigates a world filled with dark magic, treacherous politics, and formidable enemies, he grapples with his own inner demons and the destructive power of his weapon. The narrative explores themes of destiny, power, and morality, as Elric seeks to reconcile his thirst for vengeance with the burden of his cursed existence.
The 4926th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Mother London
Set against the backdrop of London's post-war years through the 1980s, the novel weaves together the lives of three individuals who have been profoundly affected by the city's cultural and social evolution. As they navigate their personal struggles with mental health, identity, and the rapidly changing urban landscape, their stories intersect in a tapestry that captures the essence of London's spirit. The narrative delves into the characters' memories and experiences, exploring the themes of resilience, community, and the enduring impact of place on the human psyche. Through their interconnected tales, the book paints a vivid portrait of a metropolis that is as much a character as the people who inhabit it, highlighting the city's capacity to both inspire and consume those who call it home.
The 5708th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Jerusalem Commands
The Third Volume of the Colonel Pyat Quartet
In "Jerusalem Commands," readers are transported through a fantastical and surreal narrative that follows the adventures of Colonel Pyat, an unreliable and often delusional protagonist. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, the novel weaves through the chaos of a world between wars, touching upon themes of imperialism, addiction, and the quest for identity. Pyat's journey is marked by a series of escapades and misadventures that take him from Europe to Africa, exposing the dark underbelly of colonialism and the human psyche. The book is the third in a series, characterized by its rich historical tapestry and a protagonist who is as charismatic as he is morally ambiguous, leaving readers to question the very nature of truth and history.
The 6512th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. The Dreaming City
The Tale of the Eternal Champion
In "The Dreaming City," readers are introduced to a vivid, fantastical world where Elric of Melniboné, the last emperor of a declining empire, embarks on a poignant and treacherous journey. Struggling with his own moral compass and the heavy reliance on his sentient sword, Stormbringer, which feeds on the souls of its victims, Elric seeks vengeance and redemption. His quest leads him through various dimensions of sorcery and swordplay, challenging his allegiances and desires. This tale is a cornerstone of the sword and sorcery genre, exploring themes of fate, power, and the eternal battle between good and evil, all set against the backdrop of a richly imagined fantasy universe.
The 7253rd Greatest Book of All Time -
8. The Final Programme
A Jerry Cornelius Novel
The book follows the adventures of Jerry Cornelius, a hip, amoral, and sexually ambiguous anti-hero, who is an incarnation of the Eternal Champion, a recurring character in the author's works. Set in a dystopian near-future, Cornelius is a physicist and playboy who becomes embroiled in a quest to construct the perfect human being through the Final Programme, a project that aims to create a new messiah figure for a world on the brink of collapse. The narrative is characterized by its satirical tone, blending elements of science fiction, dark humor, and countercultural commentary, as Cornelius navigates a landscape of eccentric characters, chaotic events, and shifting allegiances.
The 11398th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. The Dancers At The End Of Time
Set in a far-flung, decadent future where the Earth is at the brink of its existence, the narrative unfolds in a society that has mastered time travel and harnessed the power to manipulate reality. The inhabitants, who are the last remnants of humanity, live in a state of hedonistic and aesthetic abandon, with little regard for consequences. The story centers around a love affair between a time-traveling aristocrat from this era and a 19th-century woman, whose arrival disrupts the status quo. As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, they explore various epochs and grapple with the moral and philosophical dilemmas posed by their vastly different worldviews and the impending collapse of their time.
The 11398th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. The Knight Of The Swords
The First Book of Corum
This novel introduces readers to a fantastical world where the central character, a noble yet troubled warrior, embarks on a perilous journey through a landscape filled with magic, mythical creatures, and ancient gods. Tasked with a quest that intertwines his fate with the cosmic balance of Law and Chaos, he must navigate treacherous paths and confront his deepest fears. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters that challenge his perceptions of loyalty, honor, and the nature of his quest. Set against a backdrop of richly imagined realms, the story weaves together elements of adventure, mythology, and the eternal struggle between opposing forces, marking the beginning of an epic saga that explores the complexities of power, destiny, and the human spirit.
The 11398th Greatest Book of All Time -
11. The King Of The Swords
This novel concludes a high-fantasy trilogy, where the narrative reaches its climax in an epic battle between the forces of Law and Chaos. The protagonist, armed with a powerful, sentient sword, faces off against a pantheon of gods and their minions in a quest to restore balance to the multiverse. Alongside a diverse cast of allies, including sorcerers, warriors, and otherworldly entities, the hero navigates a series of challenges and moral dilemmas. The story combines elements of sword and sorcery with cosmic scale battles, exploring themes of destiny, power, and the nature of good and evil. Through its intricate plot and richly imagined worlds, the book delivers a compelling finale to a beloved fantasy saga.
The 11398th Greatest Book of All Time -
12. The Sword And The Stallion
The Final Chronicle of Corum
This novel is the concluding part of a fantasy saga that follows the adventures of the Eternal Champion as he battles to maintain the balance between Law and Chaos. Set in a vividly imagined world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and ancient gods, the protagonist, armed with his legendary sword, faces his final confrontation against an array of formidable foes. His journey is fraught with challenges that test his strength, loyalty, and spirit. Amidst epic battles and personal sacrifices, the narrative weaves a tale of heroism, destiny, and the eternal struggle for power and justice. Through its intricate plot and complex characters, the story explores themes of fate, freedom, and the cyclical nature of time and existence.
The 11398th Greatest Book of All Time -
13. The Hollow Lands
The Second Volume of the Dancers at the End of Time
This novel is the second installment in a science fiction series that follows the adventures of a time traveler who is on a quest to discover the true nature of the universe and his place within it. Set in a multiverse filled with exotic lands and peculiar beings, the protagonist navigates through various dimensions and time periods, encountering both allies and adversaries. The narrative delves into themes of destiny, power, and the struggle for freedom against oppressive forces. Rich in imaginative detail and philosophical exploration, the story challenges the boundaries of reality and the essence of what it means to be human.
The 11398th Greatest Book of All Time