QUEST FOR FIRE

J. H. ROSNY

Harold Talbott, translator

Ballantine pb (Feb., 1982)

First Ballantine Books edition

Condition:  VERY GOOD with minor shelfwear.  No markings.

80,000 years ago, during the Ice Age in Paleolithic Europe, after a savage atack by a rival tribe, the people of Ulam are left without the flaming branch from the fire that the tribe keeps perpetually burning. Without knowledge of how to ignite fire on their own, the Ulam send out their finest warriors on a quest for a new flaming branch. On their epic, adventurous journey, they fight many beasts, find love, new friends and enemies...but will they succeed in fulfilling their mission?

About the author:

J.-H. Rosny Aîné was the pseudonym of Joseph Henri Honoré Boex, a French author of Belgian origin who is considered one of the founding figures of modern science fiction. Born in Brussels in 1856, he wrote together with his younger brother Séraphin Justin François Boex under the pen name J.H. Rosny until 1908. After they ended their collaboration Joseph Boex continued to write under the name "Rosny Aîné" (Rosny the Elder) while his brother used J.-H. Rosny Jeune (Rosny the Younger).

Commentaries on line:

The book is really good, with some really poetic writing. It's dated in places, particularly in what many modern readers would see as a very sexist ending. But overall, if you take some of the stuff tongue in cheek, it's a pretty good adventure. It's got quite a few different elements than the movie.

I remember from my childhood in Siberia, how we were queuing up for this book (in Russian), reading the copy until the cover was unrecognisable, giving each other two days to read it. I don't know how it would read now, but back then in the 70s it was one of the brightest impressions (considering the Inquisition-like censure in literature).

You'd probably like it if you love Edgar Rice Burroughs. It's a classic hero's journey story and not a lot more than that. Still, a fun little book. Doesn't look like it's easy to get your hands on, unfortunately. I wish they'd do a reprint with a new (better) translation.

A book which I would recommend to either young or old. This is no adventure, this is life, once a time.

An incredible book. Very gripping. charming. Takes people to prehistoric times.