Shame of Man
Piers Anthony's Shame of Man is a towering saga of remarkable scope, retelling the story of humanity in a daring and exciting way. At once grand in scope and intimate in human detail, Shame of Man recounts the stunning journey of a single family reborn again and again throughout history.
Beginning in the earliest origins of our ancient ancestors who emerged from the Eden of Africa millions of years ago, Shame of Man follows two lovers – Hugh, a dreamer and musician, and his beloved Ann, a beautiful dancer – as they struggle to preserve their family and their way of life during some of the most turbulent periods of our savage past.
Their saga takes them from the caves of prehistoric Europe to the Holy Land in the time of King David, through the imperial court of third-century Japan, and Damascus in the early days of Islam, to Central Asia in the era of Genghis Khan, and the fallen paradise of Easter island, concluding with a harrowing glimpse of our future in the wreckage of a world devastated by global ecological catastrophe. Through their eyes we experience humanity's greatest triumphs, and witness it's greatest shame, the relentless exploitation of nature that now threatens our very survival.
The second volume in Piers Anthony's Geodyssey, Shame of Man draws upon Anthony's lifelong research into human behavior, and his passionate concern for the future of our planet, a world now endangered by the same gifts that lifted us out of savagery millions of years ago.
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Piers Anthony
Piers Anthony's name is synonymous with fantastical worlds, vivid characters, and an unparalleled sense of whimsy. Born in Oxford, England, in 1934, he moved to the United States as a child, shaping the cultural landscape of his imagination. What sets Anthony apart is his ability to weave humor and depth into stories that are both lighthearted and thought-provoking, making him a standout in the fantasy genre.
Anthony’s journey to becoming a household name in fantasy literature wasn’t a straightforward path. After serving in the U.S. Army and briefly teaching, he devoted himself to writing, selling his first short story and setting the stage for his later successes. However, it was with the Xanth series that he truly carved out his place in literary history. A world brimming with puns, magic, and eccentric characters, Xanth resonated with readers for its wit and its heart. What began as a fun experiment turned into a sprawling saga, with Anthony publishing a book for nearly every letter of the alphabet, earning him a global following that continues to grow.
Geodyssey
Geodyssey consists of five books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
