Fantasy Classics Revisited: The Book of Ptath

While at Uni, I stumbled upon a battered paperback copy of "The Book of Ptath" in a dusty corner of a second-hand bookstore near campus (this was around 1996 or so). Little did I know that this chance encounter would introduce me to one of the most intriguing and overlooked fantasy novels of the 20th century. Written by A.E. van Vogt, a name synonymous with golden age science fiction, "The Book of Ptath" stands as his sole venture into the realm of fantasy – and what a venture it is!

In this nostalgic overview, I'll gleefully drag you weirdos into the dreamlike world of Gonwonlane, to explore the complex narrative that van Vogt weaves, and examine why this novel deserves a place among the classics of fantasy literature. Ready to take the plunge? Well, here we go.

Synopsis

Set in Earth's unimaginably distant future, some two hundred million years from now, "The Book of Ptath" takes place on the supercontinent of Gonwonlane – a reformed version of the ancient Gondwanaland. Our protagonist, Ptath, awakens with no memory save for his name, finding himself thrust into a world both alien and familiar.

Ptath, we soon learn, is no ordinary man. Possessing superhuman strength and an uncanny ability to heal, he feels an inexplicable pull towards a distant city that shares his name. As he embarks on his journey, swatting aside soldiers and overcoming obstacles with ease, we begin to unravel the mystery of his identity.

In the city of Ptath, a beautiful but malevolent goddess named Ineznia awaits. She has orchestrated Ptath's return to life, but not out of benevolence. Her plan is to subject him to a series of trials designed to lead to his ultimate destruction.

As Ptath navigates this strange world, fragments of memory begin to surface. In a startling revelation, he recalls a past life as Peter Holroyd, an American tank corps captain from World War II. This connection to our own time adds a layer of relatability to the otherwise alien setting, bridging the vast gulf of time between Ptath's present and our own.

The plot thickens as Ptath encounters L'onee, his beloved who has been held captive by Ineznia. Their reunion sets the stage for the final confrontation with the wicked goddess. Throughout his journey, Ptath must grapple with his fragmented memories, uncover the truth of his divine nature, and ultimately reclaim his destiny as a god reborn.

Van Vogt's narrative is a whirlwind of revelations and reversals. Characters inhabit others' bodies, seemingly arbitrary feats of magic occur, and dread secrets are unveiled in almost every chapter. The reader, much like Ptath himself, is kept in a state of constant mental flux, never quite sure what to expect next.

As the story hurtles towards its climax, Ptath must not only confront Ineznia but also come to terms with his own godhood. The fate of Gonwonlane hangs in the balance as Ptath strives to break Ineznia's power and restore balance to this far-future world.

A Review Decades in the Making

"The Book of Ptath" is a novel that defies easy categorization. It's a work that showcases both the strengths and weaknesses of A.E. van Vogt's unique style, resulting in a reading experience that is equal parts exhilarating and perplexing.

The Strengths

First and foremost, van Vogt's imagination shines throughout the novel. The world of Gonwonlane is vividly realized, with its blend of the familiar and the utterly alien creating a sense of wonder that few fantasy novels achieve. The concept of a god reincarnated through time, only to return to a future version of Earth, is both original and thought-provoking.

The pacing of the novel is relentless. Van Vogt's energetic prose propels the reader forward, with each chapter bringing new revelations and plot twists. This creates a sense of breathless excitement that keeps pages turning long into the night.

The character of Ptath/Peter Holroyd is particularly well-conceived. His struggle to reconcile his mortal memories with his godly nature provides a compelling character arc that anchors the more outlandish elements of the plot.

Van Vogt's exploration of themes such as power, identity, and the cyclical nature of history adds depth to what could have been a simple adventure story. The idea that our present day could be just a blip in an endless cycle of rise and fall of civilizations is both humbling and fascinating.

The Weaknesses

However, "The Book of Ptath" is not without its flaws. Van Vogt's prose, while energetic, can be described as graceless at times. His writing lacks the poetic flourish that many associate with high fantasy, which may put off readers accustomed to more lyrical styles.

The plot, for all its excitement, can be confusing and even illogical at times. Van Vogt's tendency to introduce new elements and powers seemingly at will can leave the reader feeling unmoored. The rules of the world are never fully explained, which can lead to a sense of arbitrariness in how conflicts are resolved.

Character development, outside of Ptath himself, is somewhat lacking. Many of the supporting characters feel more like plot devices than fully realized individuals. This is particularly noticeable with the female characters, who, despite their power, often fall into stereotypical roles.

Lastly, the novel's treatment of gender dynamics feels dated by modern standards. The idea that a god's power comes from the prayers of women, while goddesses draw their power from the god, could be seen as reinforcing problematic gender stereotypes.

The Verdict

Despite its flaws, "The Book of Ptath" remains a fascinating and enjoyable read. It's a novel that requires a certain mindset from its readers – a willingness to surrender to its dream-like logic and go along for the ride. For those who can make that leap, the rewards are substantial.

Van Vogt's unique blend of fantasy and science fiction elements creates a world unlike any other in literature. The novel's exploration of identity and power, set against the backdrop of Earth's unimaginably distant future, provides ample food for thought long after the last page is turned.

While it may not have the polish of more celebrated fantasy works, "The Book of Ptath" makes up for it with sheer imaginative force. It's a novel that embodies the sense of wonder that draws many of us to speculative fiction in the first place.

Wrapping Up

"The Book of Ptath" stands as a unique entry in A.E. van Vogt's bibliography and in the broader canon of fantasy literature. It's a novel that showcases both the strengths and weaknesses of pulp-era speculative fiction, offering readers a glimpse into a style of storytelling that has largely fallen out of fashion.

For modern readers, approaching "The Book of Ptath" requires a certain adjustment of expectations. This is not a meticulously crafted epic in the vein of Tolkien or a richly detailed secondary world like Martin's Westeros. Instead, it's a fever dream of a novel, a wild ride through a future so distant it might as well be another universe entirely.

What the novel lacks in polish, it more than makes up for in raw creativity and narrative energy. Van Vogt's ability to keep readers off-balance, constantly introducing new elements and upending expectations, creates a reading experience that is uniquely engaging.

In many ways, "The Book of Ptath" feels like a precursor to the New Weird movement in fantasy, with its blending of genres and its willingness to challenge reader expectations. It's a novel that deserves to be rediscovered by modern audiences, both as a historical curiosity and as a still-vital work of imaginative fiction.

As I think back on that chance encounter in a university bookstore all those years ago, I'm struck by how fortunate I was to discover this hidden gem. "The Book of Ptath" may not be perfect, but it's a novel that has stayed with me, its vivid imagery and mind-bending concepts continuing to resonate decades later.

For you weirdos looking for something off the beaten path, or for readers who enjoy having their minds stretched and their expectations challenged, "The Book of Ptath" comes highly recommended. It's a journey through the weird, through time and space, through identity and power, that you won't soon forget. So why not take a chance, as I did all those years ago, and lose yourself in the wild, wonderful world of Gonwonlane? You might just find yourself on an adventure the likes of which few have ever encountered.