Building a SciFi/Fantasy Library discussion

I have read "The Stars My Destination" - twice. It was part of a "Treasury of Great Science Fiction" - a two-volume collection which was part of an introductory offer from the Science Fiction Book Club, back there in the early-mid 70's. I agree wholeheartedly. Now, I'm about to start reading Bester's "The Demolished Man," which is one of a number of recommended works from the "Science Fiction Reader's Guide," (read my review), which includes "Dune" and "The Left Hand of Darkness" as well as many others.

Okay, I admit I've only scanned the list, but Watership Down? it's a fantastic novel, even a great one, but I'm not sure whether I'd expect to see it on the 'science fiction and fantasy' shelves at the local book shop. If we include Watership Down, then why not Jungle Book, the Lion King, Aesop's fables, Rupert the Bear :-) More seriously though, no Ballard?

Carl

Carl, I couldn't agree with you more that Ballard's absence is a crime. However, if talking rabbits doesn't constitute fantasy then I don't know what does. For the record, the other stories you mention all qualify as fantasy in my eyes.

I've read 31 of the books/series in that list and seen 4 movies of others. I haven't even heard of about 20% of them (and my lifetime reading list totals more than 8500).

I believe all those books should be read as for a "Greatest List" I don't think so. Some, for me, are out of order and others shouldn't be on there at all. And of course you might feel differently.

I don't like science fiction much just fantasy so I agree with the list because I did see my faves on it. (Terry Goodkind, Robin Hobb, Terry Brooks, Stepehen King) but I was surprised not to see any Sara Douglass on there. She is a great fantasy writer, maybe even mixed in a touch of science fiction too.

where is the list?

I totally disagree with lord of the rings as 1st choice. I can give 10 better choices without thinking. Philip Dick - Ubik, high castle, androids dream, Le Guin - Rocannon, Sheckley - Immortality inc., Childhoods end by Clarke, Caverns of Steel by Asimov, And 4-5 titles by Strugatki... and , finally... Solaris... these are well known books, and LOTR is not in this league... yes, I dislike this choice... is there any list that doesnt start with Potter or Saruman? excuse my french, I am ill...