Elric of Melniboné (Elric, #1)
by Michael Moorcock
Elric of Melniboné by Michael Moorcock holds a well received rating of 3.89 out of 5, based on 17.7K reader ratings. First published in 1972. The book spans 181 pages.
About Elric of Melniboné
Elric of Melniboné is a requisite title in the hard fantasy canon, a book no fantasy fan should leave unread. Author Michael Moorcock, already a major player in science fiction, cemented his position in the fantasy pantheon with the five-book Elric saga, of which Elric of Melniboné is the first installment. The book's namesake, the brooding albino emperor of the dying nation of Melniboné, is a sort of Superman for Goths, truly an archetype of the genre.The youthful Elric is a cynical and melancholy king, heir to a nation whose 100,000-year rule of the world ended less than 500 years hence. More interested in brooding contemplation than holding the throne, Elric is a reluctant ruler, but he also realizes that no other worthy successor exists and the survival of his once-powerful, decadent nation depends on him alone. Elric's nefarious, brutish cousin Yrkoon has no patience for his physically weak kinsman, and he plots constantly to seize Elric's throne, usually over his dead body. Elric of Melniboné follows Yrkoon's scheming, reaching its climax in a battle between Elric and Yrkoon with the demonic runeblades Stormbringer and Mournblade. In this battle, Elric gains control of the soul-stealing Stormbringer, an event that proves pivotal to the Elric saga. --Paul Hughes
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Michael Moorcock |
| Published | 1972 |
| Pages | 181 |
| Genres | Fantasy, Fiction, Classics, Science Fiction |
| Average Rating | 3.89 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 17,728 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Elric of Melniboné?
Elric of Melniboné is categorized as Fantasy, Fiction, Classics, Science Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Fantasy.
Is Elric of Melniboné worth reading?
Based on 17.7K reader ratings, Elric of Melniboné has an average score of 3.89 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is Elric of Melniboné?
Elric of Melniboné has 181 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote Elric of Melniboné?
Elric of Melniboné was written by Michael Moorcock. It was first published in 1972.
What is the ISBN for Elric of Melniboné?
The ISBN-13 for Elric of Melniboné is 9780441203990.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
