Ann Crimmins

https://fromtheheartofeurope.eu/the-road-to-amber-by-roger-zelazny/

It starts with an adaptation of the Grimm tale Godfather Death, which Zelazny also turned into a musical (never staged); the final Amber stories are here, but so also is some background writing about Amber which was not widely available in his lifetime; and there are some non-fiction pieces about his concept of his own craft, as well as emotional reminiscences about Zelazny the man and mentor, from friends and family. It’s a thoroughly satisfactory capstone to the five volumes that went before.… (mer)

Wow! A great ending (save the bibliography) to a wonderful series. There is so much that just made this book.

Roger Zelazny by Jane Lindskold gives some insights into the man himself that can't be found elsewhere. As a fan, friend & then lover & co-author, Lindskold knew him as no other could have. The bit she shares is well done.

Remembering Roger by Gerald Hausman caused me to read [b:Wilderness|1838858|Wilderness|Roger Zelazny|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1311521609s/1838858.jpg|60239], a book about Hugh Glass & John Colter they co-authored. My review is here:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/187216368

There were a few 'new-to-me' stories, including "Lady of Steel" which was quite short, but excellent. And then there was a full Amber section. If you haven't managed track down all the stories, including the partial & only co-written short story, you'll find it here along with factual articles & speeches that Zelazny gave over the years. The record gets set straight on a few controversial items, such as Sheckley's work with Zelazny on the Millenial Trilogy.

But the crowning pieces were:
Sandow's Shadow (Outline) (series: Francis Sandow) &
Shadowland (Outline) (series: Shadowjack)

I loved Sandow in [b:Isle of the Dead|1124895|Isle of the Dead|Roger Zelazny|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1305660384s/1124895.jpg|1877102]. He also appeared in a short story & made a cameo appearance in [b:To Die In Italbar|61988|To Die In Italbar|Roger Zelazny|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170598334s/61988.jpg|1383224]. It made this fairly well fleshed outline (almost a short story) a real joy to read.

Shadowland is a prequel to [b:Jack of Shadows|61986|Jack of Shadows|Roger Zelazny|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1304302401s/61986.jpg|60241] & tells how the world came to be. Jack plays a significant part, although he isn't really the hero of the story, but it was still a lot of fun.

All 7 books are really worth buying. There is plenty of advice for a writer, all of his short stories for those who just like his work, plus explanations which were wonderful. I even found out something new about [b:A Night in the Lonesome October|62005|A Night in the Lonesome October|Roger Zelazny|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1274492048s/62005.jpg|890916], a book I've pretty much studied & have shared discussions with in 2 different groups. How cool is that?… (mer)