The book delves into the history of Westeros, exploring the origins of different factions like the First Men and the Andals, while also shedding light on the inconsistencies in historical accounts. Written in the format of a Maester's chronicle for King Joffrey Tommen, it maintains a balance of realism with ancient legends, calling out the merging of architectural works under the name of Brandon the Builder.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style mirrors historical texts, characterized by a Maester's perspective that balances factual storytelling with acknowledgment of myth, prompting readers to think critically about history.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves the history of Westeros, delving into the origins of its various races and cultures, while connecting them to analogous real-world histories.

Setting:

The setting is richly developed, covering Westeros in depth while also expanding into lesser-known continents and cultures.

Pacing:

Pacing is uneven, with quick summaries followed by detailed explorations, allowing for selective reading experiences.

The giants had no kings and no lords, made no homes save in caverns or beneath tall trees, and they worked neither metal nor fields. They remained creatures of the Dawn Age even as the ages passed the...

Notes:

The book reveals the mysterious origins of various races and groups in Westeros.

It describes how the First Men crossed a land bridge similar to the Bering Strait.

The Andals, who invaded Westeros, have similarities to Anglo Saxons.

The Iron Islands' culture is inspired by Norse and Viking traditions.

The drowned god worship of the Iron Islanders has parallels to Lovecraftian beings.

The Lannister's castle is the largest in Westeros, built on massive gold mines.

The Summer Isles are known for their progressive laws and open attitudes toward sex.

The book presents history through the voice of a maester, emphasizing the uncertainty of past events.

It features detailed accounts of each Targaryen king, similar to 'The Twelve Caesars'.

Maps of certain important locations are missing from the book, making it harder to understand geography.

The Empire of Yi Ti and other distant lands provide a broader look at the world beyond Westeros.

The narratives include mentions of the complexities and diversity within the Dornish people.

Many familiar family names have implications of non-existent historical figures and exaggerations from bards.

The book discusses the concept that our understanding of history is shaped by perspective.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, slavery, and complex historical relationships that may be distressing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Perfect for fans of A Song of Ice and Fire and HBO's Game of Thrones- an epic history of Westeros and the lands beyond, featuring hundreds of pages of all-new material from George R. R. Martin!

If the past is prologue, then George R. R. Martin's masterwork-the most inventive and entertaining fantasy saga of our time-warrants one hell of an introduction. At long last, it has arrived with The World of Ice & Fire .

This lavishly illustrated volume is a comprehensive history of the Seven Kingdoms, providing vividly constructed accounts of the epic battles, bitter rivalries, and daring rebellions that lead to the events of A Song of Ice and Fire and HBO's Game of Thrones . In a collaboration that's been years in the making, Martin has teamed with Elio M. García, Jr., and Linda Antonsson, the founders of the renowned fan site Westeros.org-perhaps the only people who know this world almost as well as its visionary creator.

Collected here is all the accumulated knowledge, scholarly speculation, and inherited folk tales of maesters and septons, maegi and singers, including

artwork and maps, with more than 170 original pieces

full family trees for Houses Stark, Lannister, and Targaryen

in-depth explorations of the history and culture of Westeros

100% all-new material, more than half of which Martin wrote specifically for this book

The definitive companion piece to George R. R. Martin's dazzlingly conceived universe, The World of Ice & Fire is indeed proof that the pen is mightier than a storm of swords.

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The World of Ice & Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones

George R.R. Martin