Legend the debut novel by David Gemmell, is a seminal work in the heroic fantasy genre. The story is set in the war-torn world of Drenai and centres around the defense of the impregnable fortress of Dros Delnoch. Facing a massive invasion by the barbarian Nadir horde, the Drenai people are in desperate need of a hero. Enter Druss the Legend, an ageing warrior of legendary status, who comes out of retirement to lead the defense.
The plot weaves themes of courage, sacrifice, and redemption as Druss, along with a band of disparate heroes, including the enigmatic warrior Rek and the priestess Virae, stand against overwhelming odds. The fortress must hold for several days to give the Drenai army time to muster. Each gate within Dros Delnoch represents a stage in the defence, symbolising hope and resistance against despair.
A fascinating aspect of Legend is its connection to Gemmell’s personal life. During the writing of the first draft of this novel, Gemmell faced a potential cancer diagnosis. He initially intended the story as a form of therapy, with the siege representing his battle against the disease. Gemmell decided that the ending of Legend would hinge on his medical results: if the diagnosis confirmed cancer, the fortress would fall, symbolising his defeat; if not, the fortress would stand, symbolising his triumph. Ultimately, the results came back negative, and the fortress of Dros Delnoch stands, embodying hope and resilience.
Legend is more than just an epic tale of war; it is a story of enduring spirit and the fight against insurmountable odds, deeply influenced by the author’s personal brush with mortality. This layer of emotional depth adds to its powerful narrative, making it a classic in fantasy literature.
author
David Gemmell was a renowned British author born on August 1, 1948, in London, England. He became one of the most celebrated writers in the field of heroic fantasy. Despite a tumultuous early life marked by expulsion from school and a stint as a bouncer, Gemmell channelled his experiences into writing, creating gritty and realistic characters that resonated with readers.
Gemmell’s literary career took off with the publication of his first novel, Legend” in 1984. This book introduced readers to the world of Drenai and its iconic hero, Druss the Legend, setting the stage for a prolific writing career. Known for his fast-paced narratives, complex characters, and themes of honour, courage, and redemption, Gemmell authored over 30 novels, many of which became bestsellers. His notable series include the Drenai Saga, the Rigante series, and the Troy trilogy.
In addition to his work in fantasy, Gemmell was also a journalist. However, it was his storytelling prowess in the realm of fantasy that earned him a dedicated following. His ability to blend action with deep moral questions distinguished his work, making him a unique voice in the genre.
David Gemmell’s influence extended beyond his lifetime. He passed away on July 28, 2006, but his legacy endures through his extensive body of work and the annual David Gemmell Awards for Fantasy, established to honor his memory and impact on the fantasy genre. Gemmell’s stories continue to inspire and captivate new generations of readers, solidifying his place as a master of heroic fantasy.
art
Justin Sweet is producing 8 colour illustrations (1x Dustjacket exclusive to the Standard Edition, 1x Endpaper and 6 portrait pieces within the book). Not only that, he is also doing a handful of B&W line drawings which will be spread out through the book amongst the text.
Justin Sweet is a highly regarded American artist and illustrator, known for his captivating and richly detailed fantasy art. Born in the 1970s, Sweet grew up with a strong interest in drawing and storytelling, which eventually led him to pursue a career in illustration and concept art.
Sweet’s work is distinguished by its dramatic composition, dynamic characters, and evocative use of colour and light. His artistic journey began in earnest when he joined Black Isle Studios, where he contributed to the visual development of several influential video games, including titles in the “Icewind Dale” and “Baldur’s Gate” series. His work in the gaming industry established him as a talented and innovative artist.
Beyond video games, Justin Sweet has made significant contributions to the world of film and publishing. He has worked as a concept artist on major motion pictures, including “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and “Thor: The Dark World,” where his ability to create fantastical yet believable worlds and characters has been highly valued.
Sweet’s illustrations have also graced the covers and interiors of numerous books, particularly within the fantasy genre. His collaboration with authors and publishers has brought to life the vivid worlds of writers such as George R.R. Martin, for whom he has illustrated scenes from the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, and more recently he collaborated with Easton Press on The Eddas.
Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the essence of fantastical stories, Justin Sweet continues to influence the fields of illustration and concept art. His work is celebrated by fans and peers alike, cementing his status as a leading figure in contemporary fantasy art.
standard
edition #1
Limited to 500 copies only, the Standard edition is 366 pages, printed letterpress on Munken Rough Cream 120gsm by Phil Abel at Hand & Eye Press in London.
This is the only version that comes with Justin Sweet’s dustjacket.
It is quarter bound in green buckram cloth and a cream colorplan paper. The cover features a two colour image of Druss the Legend by Justin Sweet hot foil stamped in black and gold. The spine is also foil stamped in two colours. It also features a rounded spine, head/tailband and coloured ribbon.
The endpaper will be another landscape illustration by Justin Sweet. There will be another 6 colour images within the book, 5 interior images and 1 frontispiece, as well as a host of B&W line drawings within the text.
The book is protected by a green buckram slipcase with the author and title foil stamped in gold on both sides of the slipcase. The label is also Munken Rough Cream and hot foil stamped.
This edition is signed by Stella Gemmell and Mark Lawrence as well as the artist Justin Sweet.
This title is printed as a standalone and as such has no rights going forward.
Pre-Order Price: £185
Published Price: £200
deluxe
edition
Limited to 200 copies only, the Deluxe edition is 366 pages, printed letterpress on Munken Rough Cream 120gsm by Phil Abel at Hand & Eye Press in London.
The book is fully bound in Pewter Pentland Goat with an all over 3-colour foil stamping design of Druss the Legend “Deathwalker” by Justin Sweet. The spine is rounded and has two colours of foil stamping, light blue and gold. The top edge of the bookblock has been hand coloured light blue with grey flecks by the artisans at Ludlow Bookbinders.
The enclosure is a pewter goat leather capped slipcase with a marbled cloth covering by Freya Scott at Paperwilds. There is also a leather label inset into the spine of the slipcase.
As with the Standard Edition, this book comes will an illustrated endpaper by Justin Sweet and a further 6 tipped-in plates (including a frontispiece).
This edition is signed by Stella Gemmell and Mark Lawrence as well as the artist Justin Sweet.
Pre-Order Price: £525
Published Price: £550
lettered
edition
Limited to just 26 editions and printed letterpress on GF Smith Natralis 140gsm paper by Phil Abel at Hand & Eye Press, this edition features unique bindings, case and title setting.
Bound in finest Harmatan Crimson goat with large blue leather onlay of Snaga covering the front/back covers. The design has two colours of foil stamping across the boards. All 3 edges of the book are gilded gold.
As with the previous editions there will be 6 tipped-in pieces of art (including a frontispiece). The Lettered also comes with a new unique marbled endpaper and foldout piece of art (the illustrated endpaper used in the other two editions).
It is housed in a fully leather-bound rounded solander case with Crimson Pentland goat. There are two axe heads embedded into the front and back boards of the Solander, and these were cast in an alloy of multiple metals by Peter Canham of Ystabl, Wales and hand-finished to give them their worn look. Each pair are unique.
There are three blue pentland goat onlays on the case, one large only on the spine, and two strips at the end of each board. The design is completed with two colours of hot foil stamping, and the trays are covered in a sumptuous dark blue.
This edition is signed by Stella Gemmell and Mark Lawrence as well as the artist Justin Sweet.
Pre-Order Price: £2150
Published Price: £2300
production