Jim Sharkey wrote:
>>> Is it time for a re-ranking of Banks' books? I think so...
>>>
>>> Favourite first.
>>>
>>> 1 P[layer of] G[ames]
>>> 2 U[se of] W[eapons]
>>> 3 C[onsider] P[hlebas]
>>> 4 E[xcession]
>>> 5 L[ook to] W[indward]
>>> 6 S[tate of] t[he] A[rt]
>>> 7 I[nversions]
>
> <snipping lots of general discussion>
>
> In approximately one week, I'll be done with my actuarial exam, and will
> actually have time to read for pleasure. All this discussion about Banks
> has officially whetted my appetite to give this guy a try, despite my
> initial apprehension that his style is not necessarily my mug of pekoe
> black.
>
> So my question is, what book would you knowledgable folks suggest as the one
> that you'd suggest as the "starter," one that'll grab a reader unfamiliar
> with his work.
That's a much debated question. Player of Games, and Consider Phlebas are
the most frequent recommendations, but Use of Weapons and Excession have
also been suggested. Most people agree that Inversions and Look to Windward
are less good introductions to the Culture.
Claire Bickell
