Andrzej Sapkowski is not only the most outstanding Polish creator of the literature written in the sign of "magic and the sword", but is also a master of his subject. Manuscript Discovered in a Dragon's Cave is his subjective, unusually original guide to fantasy literature. It is written in the form of an encyclopaedia, and gives the reader a general overview of the genre's main figures, motifs and concepts.
In contrast to other authors of similar compendia, Sapkowski does not make any claim to objectivity: his encylopaedia could not possibly have been any more personal. This is the secret behind his witty characterisations of the world's most popular and well-known fantasy heroes, the penetrating descriptions of magic terminology, and above all, Sapkowski's 'private' bestiary.
Manuscript Discovered in a Dragon's Cave is also a striking book because of its author's willingness to adress theoretical considerations; several sections are devoted to reflections on the essence and limits of the genre. Sapkowski's definition of fantasy is extremely broad, and he seeks old sources and references to substantiate this literary form. He does not wish this genre, which he loves (and indeed, practises!) to be seen as nothing more than a literary hobby. Despite their light tone, his scholarly roamings through the kingdom of myths and fairy-tales lend fantasy an air of authority and compel us to feel real respect for its creators. (Dariusz Nowacki)
Andrzej Sapkowski (b. 1948) novelist and essayist, the most outstanding author of Polish fantasy literature. He has written numerous collections of short stories, as well as a five-volume sequence about Warlock Geralt. His works have been translated into many languages, including Czech, Russian, Lithuanian and German. The film Warlock / Wiedzmin, which was based on motifs from Sapkowski's prose, was premiered in 2001.
- Andrzej Sapkowski
Manuscript Discovered in a Dragon's Cave / Rękopis znaleziony w smoczej jaskini. Kompendium wiedzy o literaturze fantasy
Wydawnictwo Supernowa, Warszawa 2001
© Andrzej Sapkowski, rights available
172 x 244, 240 pages, hardcover
ISBN 83-7054-147-X
