Zelazny, Roger; Lindskold, Jane

Donnerjack

Norwalk, CT: Easton Press, 1997. Limited First Edition. Hardcover. Signed by Jane Lindskold in memory of Roger Zelazny. “In Deep Fields he dwelled, though his presence extended beyond that place through Virtu. He was, in a highly specialized sense, the Lord of Everything, though others might claim that same title for different reasons. His claim was as valid as any, however, for his dominion was an undeniable fact of existence. He moved amid the detritus of all the broken forms which had once functioned in Virtu. They came here, summoned or unsummoned, when the ends of their existence became fact. Of some, he salvaged portions for his own uses. The others settled where they fell and lay…strewn, to continue their decomposition, though some parts of them survived longer than others. Even as he strolled, pieces would rise up, in human form or other, perhaps to strut a few paces, mouth some words, perform a characteristic function of what they had been, then sink again into the dust and rubble of which they were becoming a part. Sometimes—as he did now—he stirred the heaps with his stick to see what reactions this would provoke. If he found some performance or some bit of knowledge, some key or code, of amusement or use, he would bear it away with him into his labyrinthine dwelling. He could assume any form, male or female, go where he would, but he always returned to his black-cloaked, hooded garb over an amazing slimness, flashes of white within the shadows he also wore.”—Jane Lindskold & Roger Zelazny, pg. 3. Jane Lindskold (b. 1962) & Roger Zelazny (1937-1995) are/were legendary science-fiction and fantasy writers both of whom are incredibly prolific and widely celebrated in their fields. Donnerjack is the first collaboration between the two writers. Initially written by Zelazny, but not completed by the time of his death, Donnerjack was finished by Lindskold (much like his other novel Lord Demon (2000)) who was a long-time friend and colleague of his. Donnerjack is set in a world that has developed a shared, fully immersive virtual reality. This virtual reality, referred to as Virtu, has come to dominate all aspects of society. People work, play, and can lead entire lives in Virtu. The eponymous John Donnerjack is one of the creators of Virtu, and a peerless engineer, capable of building just about anything in his virtual reality. The story follows John's final adventure, where he saves his lover from Death itself, and continues on through the perspective of his son, Jack. Many aspects of Donnerjack directly parallel famous myths and legends, particularly those conforming to Joseph Campbell's (1904-1987) theory of the monomyth. It is heavily implied throughout the novel that, though humanity experiences it as a virtual reality simulation, Virtu may actually be an unintentional bridge to the magical realms described in mythology. Leatherbound Hardcover with gilt edges to textblock issued without dust-jacket. Limited edition of 850, with this being number 227. Signed by Lindskold at a limitation page/colophon. Includes a “Certificate of Authenticity” on loose leaf with facsimile signatures and dated June 23, 1997 by the author, a witness, and Easton Press publisher Roy S. Pfeil. In very fine condition with very light rubbing to front, back covers & spine; very light scratching to textblock. Interior very fine, appearing substantially mint. Very Fine. [Item #9023]

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