Some critics are skeptical of this, since they know from their own experience, or introspection, that men are basically cowardly, dishonorable, foolish, disloyal, and selfish. Others may be disappointed because, in spite of its title and the picture on the cover, Shardik is not about a tribe of bears, but about men, some of whom are just as sympathetic and admirable as the heroes of Watership Down. Since it is at least as interesting, this may be due partly to the jaded irritability some critics feel toward any book which follows a best seller. With Shardik, Richard Adams is attempting something more difficult, and-possibly as a result-his new book is not receiving the welcome given its predecessor. What a relief to read of characters who have honor and courage and dignity, who will risk their lives for others, whose love for their families and friends and community is enduring and effective-even if they look like Flopsy, Mopsy, and Benjamin Bunny. The heroes and heroines of most contemporary novels (including mine) are sad, bumbling failures hysterical combatants in the sex war or self-deceptive men and women of ill-will. It was attractive also because it celebrated qualities many serious novelists are currently afraid or embarrassed to write about. “That rabbit book” (even today hardly anyone I know can remember the title, which suggests a sinking boat) became an international best seller not just because it was well written and original. By now, over a million people have read Watership Down for many it is a modern classic. This is not the sort of thing I would ordinarily do, but I remembered how two years ago I was equally reluctant to start a 400-page book about a tribe of rabbits, and how wrong I was then.

Recently ranked in the top 100 bestsellers over the past 40 years by the Sunday times, Shardik is a book for our age.I recently spent the best part of a week reading a 600-page novel about some imaginary barbarians who worship an imaginary bear. A gripping tale of war, adventure, morality and slavery, horror and romance, Shardik is a remarkable exploration of mankind's universal desire for divine incarnation, and the corrosive influence of power. Closest to the bear is the hunter Kelderek, a naturally pious, ignorant, well-meaning man who becomes - in his dedication to Shardik - a prophet, victorious soldier, corrupt priest-king and ruler of an empire.

Centring on the long-awaited reincarnation of a giant bear among the half-barbaric Orelgan people, Shardik's appearance sets off a violent chain of events as faith in his divinity sweeps the land.

This is a vintage edition and will be subject to the effects of aging >This brilliantly inventive fantasy epic by the award-winning author of Watership Down immerses the reader in a medieval world complete with created languages, detailed maps and elaborate traditions and rituals.

Shardik bear