The Citadel of the Autarch

By: Gene Wolfe

Write A Review

Paperback | 1 May 1989

Sorry, we are not able to source the book you are looking for right now.

We did a search for other books with a similar title, however there were no matches. You can try selecting from a similar category, click on the author's name, or use the search box above to find your book.

Severian the Torturer continues his epic journey across the lands of Urth, carrying with him the Claw of the Conciliator and the great sword, Terminus Est. All his travels are leading towards a destiny that he dare not refuse. This is the fourth and last volume in the series.

Industry Reviews

A largely colorless, stolidly explicatory finale for the epic travelogue The Book of the New Sun. (The Shadow of the Torturer, 1980; The Claw of the Conciliator and The Sword of the Lictor, 1981.) Emotionless, robot-like hero Severian, now stricken with fever, stumbles upon a hospital run by the Pelerines, to whom he intends to return the magical Claw - though Severian himself isn't sure where the Claw's apparent power to raise the dead comes from. The Pelerines aren't interested, however, so Severian leaves the Claw under an altar; and during a long convalescence, he listens to his fellow-patients swap tall tales. Next, after a visit to eccentric hermit Ash, who exists in an alternate future, Severian drifts into joining the war to repulse the invading brainwashed Ascian hordes. Then he encounters the Autarch at last, but their aircar is soon shot down: mortally wounded, the Autarch offers a potion that will transfer to Severian the thousands of personalities and wealth of experience contained in the Autarch's brain; Severian accepts, becomes the new Autarch. And the ending, concerning the promised advent of the New Sun, slides off into heavygoing, over-elaborate, metaphysical explanations involving cosmic beings, time-travel, black holes, and much more. Dreary stuff for the most part - the rather smug, often static narrative doesn't help - and likely to disappoint even series devotees. (Kirkus Reviews)

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.