Fafhrd and The Gray Mouser: Swords Against Wizardry (1968) by Fritz Leiber

I have been aware of the tales of Fritz Leiber’s towering barbarian Fafhrd and his diminutive companion, the thief known as The Gray Mouser, since my earliest flirtations with the Sword and Sorcery genre going back into my mid-teens. For whatever reason though, I never read them back then, opting instead for Robert E. Howard’s Conan stories and their many (and typically inferior) pastiche imitators. In retrospect, I am glad that is the case, as I never would have appreciated these stories as a teenager as much as I do now as a seasoned adult reader. 

My first foray into the tales of Lankhmar—the mythical land where the stories transpire—comes courtesy of the fourth collection of adventures, Swords Against Wizardry. These three stories and one novella all feature a world-weary, lived-in quality that makes Lankhmar seem quite tangible. Supernatural elements and magic are presented in a matter of fact way devoid of any marvel or awe; such is simply the way of this world. 

Best of all is the relationship between our two protagonists as they joke and bicker their way along, sometimes even growing tired of each other’s company and separating for periods of time before circumstances inevitably draw them back together. Fafhrd and The Gray Mouser are always self-focused opportunists, taking advantage whenever it serves their best interests and not looking back at the consequences. This makes them classic anti-heroes even when they’re just simple thieves out to line their pockets. 

There is also a refreshingly frank sexuality that permeates the stories, once again providing a grounded reality to everything, even when that sexuality is directed at an invisible being whose favors are still perfectly acceptable within the confines of a darkened tent. The best recommendation I can give Swords Against Wizardry is that I am now on a pointed quest to read more of Leiber’s adventures. This really is top drawer stuff and Leiber’s prose is a literary delight. And then there's that awesome Jeff Jones cover art...wow!

Review by Steve Carroll