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Tarnsman of Gor

Gorean Saga, Book 1

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Tarnsman of Gor

Written by: John Norman
Narrated by: Ralph Lister
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About this listen

Tarl Cabot has always believed himself to be a citizen of Earth. He has no inkling that his destiny is far greater than the small planet he has inhabited for the first 20-odd years of his life. One frosty winter night in the New England woods, he finds himself transported to the planet of Gor, also known as Counter-Earth, where everything is dramatically different from anything he has ever experienced. It emerges that Tarl is to be trained as a Tarnsman, one of the most honored positions in the rigid, caste-bound Gorean society. He is disciplined by the best teachers and warriors that Gor has to offer...but to what end?

This is the first book of John Norman's popular and controversial Gorean Saga, a series of novels the author began in 1967 with Tarnsman of Gor and are now considered cult classics. This audiobook is based on the definitive edition recently published by E-Books.

©2007 John Norman (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.
Dark Fantasy Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Solar System
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Absolutely beautiful🥰

This a great introduction to the history and world of Gor will read again (10/10)

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A great start to a controversial series

In the 90s, the author claimed that the loss of his publishing deal was due to feminist influences in the publishing industry. I would describe this series as a science-fiction swords and sandals and slave-girls adventure, so perhaps he has something going for that accusation. It's been a long time since I read any books in this series (at an age when I probably shouldn't have), so my memory is of other volumes is suspect, but this first entry is actually quite tame in comparison to certain modern, popular works written by women.

The general objection is to the very patriarchal structure of Gorean society and the demands that women be subservient. This isn't completely fair as women do hold positions of power within the stratified society and both men and women are enslaved. Who gets it worse is up for debate, with female slaves often employed sexually while male slaves being worked to death or treated as fodder in war. It's a cruel world indeed, but I don't think that any of the cruelty does not have a historical analogue.

This dissonance with our modern mores drives some of the plot. The protagonist, Tarl Cabot, is a modern (well, 1960s) man taken to a barbaric world. He does not approve of slavery and at his first opportunity frees a slave who submits to him. In many ways he is generally a very soft-hearted man and this often gets him into trouble.

One criticism I have is that the Tarl Cabot is seemingly turned into a great warrior in only a matter of months. This could be explained away as being due to the influence of the god-like Priest Kings, but it results in the story being very much a power fantasy. This isn't to say that Tarl doesn't get in over his head, but he is somehow undefeatable in single combat.

The performance by Ralph Lister is great. Characters are distinct and well acted, with great energy when called for.

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A great series ro read

I read this book in the 80's and loved it then. Still do after hearing it.

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Awesome!

love this series. I had all the books many years ago in paperback but they got damaged and had to be tossed out... 😭
I was so happy when I searched for them and actually found them here!

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