Foreword

even years ago, in response to repeated reader requests, Del Rey Books decided to compile and publish a companion book to the Shannara series. This volume would explore in detail the history of the world, provide detailed character studies with accompanying drawings, and offer in-depth examinations of creatures, places, talismans, and the like. It was a project that had been discussed many times over the years, but which had always been placed on the back burner. Finally, it was decided that it should go forward.

There were good reasons for this to happen, not the least of which was the aforementioned level of reader interest. The thing about writing fantasy is that creating imaginary worlds and characters fuels an interest in readers for more details, more explanation, and just plain more. While it would be a good thing if I could give them all this, the reality is that it takes all the energy I can muster just to do a book a year or maybe two once in a blue moon. Trying to fill in all those gaps between books or even to expand on the existing story arc tires me out just thinking about it. A companion book, I knew, might go a long way toward resolving the problem.

Besides, I believe that writers should listen to their readers. If readers want something badly enough, a writer has to consider giving it to them. I couldn’t do that easily with the material that made up the primary stories because the ideas for those stories were generated and fueled by the things that interested me at the time. Once those times are gone by, it is hard to recapture them. But someone else could manage it, if there was someone out there with sufficient interest in and talent for doing so. Someone else could provide readers with the maps, drawings, prehistories, and all the rest that they were so anxious to have.

Couldn’t they? Please?

Shelly Shapiro, Del Rey’s editorial director, stepped in to spearhead the project from the publishing end. Shelly and I had worked together at Del Rey for the better part of twenty-five years, and I could trust her to do the job in a way that would satisfy everyone. Like myself, she grew up in the company under the whiplash—oops, excuse me, guidance—of Lester and Judy-Lynn del Rey. I was more than pleased to have her acting as editor for the project.

Bill Fawcett was chosen to be the book packager. I know, his job title sounds like something out of Hollywood, but what he does is find the right writer and the artist for the book and then act as liaison with the publisher and myself. He must also shepherd the project along so that it doesn’t stall out or miss its deadlines. Bill has served in this capacity before, notably with companion volumes for Anne McCaffrey’s Pern and Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. Bill is a sharp guy, and he knows what he is doing.

Teresa Patterson agreed to do the writing and David Cherry, the art. I hadn’t met either before, but I knew of their work. Together with Bill, they made a pilgrimage to my Seattle home to spend a few days picking my brain about the world of Shannara. Because I possess a small and shallow brain, I wasn’t much help. They would ask me questions about characters, places, creatures, and events, hoping for additional insights and direction. I would reply to these questions mostly with something along the line of, “What do you think?” I was telling them that this was going to be their baby, and I was counting on their creativity to carry the day.

To their credit, they didn’t throw up their hands and decamp. I know now that they appreciated the artistic freedom. I was pretty sure Teresa and David knew the books better than I did—the same way all my readers seem to know them—so it seemed foolish not to let them use that knowledge. I’ve always believed that once I finish a book and turn it in for publication, it no longer belongs to me; it belongs to the readers. Teresa and David were smart and creative enough to figure out what was needed. The best thing I could do was to stay out of the way.

Now, these seven years later, we are offering an updated version with fresh material and a fresh perspective. In that time, I have written six new sequels to the original series and three books in a prequel that chronicles the events surrounding the Great Wars that ended the Old World and gave rise to what would become the new world of Shannara.

With Shelly busy on other projects, Betsy Mitchell has stepped in as editor, but Bill, Teresa, and David are back. As well, we have the very able and talented assistance of artist Rob Alexander to add to the mix. Every part of this new, expanded edition is infused with elements of their hard work and creative effort. As I said the last time out, whatever you like about this book, you can thank them for providing. I cannot imagine anyone doing it better.

All the best,
TERRY BROOKS
February 2008