Xanth
Xanth (/ˈzænθ/ ZANTH) is a series of novels by author Piers Anthony, also known as The Magic of Xanth. The novels are set in the fantasy world of Xanth, in which magic exists and every human has a magical "talent." The books have been noted for their extensive use of wordplay and puns.
| Xanth | |
|---|---|
| First appearance | A Spell for Chameleon (1977) |
| Last appearance | Six Crystal Princesses |
| Created by | Piers Anthony |
| Genre | Fantasy |
| In-universe information | |
| Type | Fantasy world |
| Ruler | King of Xanth |
| Race(s) | Elves, centaurs, demons, dragons, fauns, gargoyles, goblins, golems, harpies, merfolk, naga, nymphs, ogres, zombies |
| Characters | Bink, Chameleon, Trent, Iris, Dor, Irene, Ivy, Grundy Golem, Smash Ogre, Tandy Nymph, Demoness Metria |
Anthony has stated that he has kept the series going as long as he has (currently 47 books) because the Xanth novels are "just about all that publishers want" from him.
Since the peak of its popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, the series has been criticized by many scholars and reviewers for what they characterize as misogynist and pedophilic undertones; one reviewer has called it the "most divisive non-media publishing enterprise in all of fantasy." Anthony has downplayed these critiques.
The series was optioned in 2017 for a film and TV series.