I Am Reading My First Thomas Ligotti Book

[craigobau]

I just started reading the Penguin Classic edition of Songs of a Dead Dreamer and Grimscribe.......and wow!

I came to this site to uncover some weird Fiction recommendations and discovered this amazing author, Thomas Ligotti.

I’m looking forward to spending hours reading the rest of his stories.

Does reading in publication order make the most sense?

[qcrisp]

Quote Originally Posted by craigobau

I just started reading the Penguin Classic edition of Songs of a Dead Dreamer and Grimscribe.......and wow! I came to this site to uncover some weird Fiction recommendations and discovered this amazing author, Thomas Ligotti. I’m looking forward to spending hours reading the rest of his stories. Does reading in publication order make the most sense?

It seems to me that if you've started with these two you are now basically qualified to dip in anywhere. There are threads on the site where members have discussed their favourite stories, though I can't remember one specifically discussing the best single volume of work (perhaps there is one). On consideration, my own recommendation would be Teatro Grottesco, which has a fully developed, mature voice, and presents, I think, the full range of Ligottian themes and atmospheres, with an emphasis on the corporate horror which has been among Ligotti's particular innovations.

[mongoose]

And if I may be so bold as to expand on the esteemed Mr. Crisp’s recommendation below, do obtain Teatro Grottesco as soon as possible and make “Purity” the first story you read. It is pure, distilled, literary genius. I almost envy your ability to experience these gems for the first time.

I am glad that after over 6 years of membership the thread starter decided to read a Ligotti story.

[Mr. Veech]

I really enjoyed "The Town Manager." It's one of the most bitter tales I've read.

It would be interesting to hear what people think about the evolution of Ligotti's prose from Songs to Teatro.

[craigobau]

Quote Originally Posted by James

I am glad that after over 6 years of membership the thread starter decided to read a Ligotti story.

I wasn't reading any weird fiction at the time I originally joined the forum, instead, i joined for conversation in the Music thread regarding the band Swans.

When I recently started getting more into weird fiction, this site was an obvious place to come back to and I'm so glad I did.