Synopsis

John comes to a rural town where a guy is controlling the people through his ugly bird, making them give him whatever he wants.

History

First publication: The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, December 1951

First published John the Balladeer story.

Review

A fantasy short story, this launched a long and very popular series of short stories and novels which are the highlight of Wellman’s career. It’s easy to see why. The story is well-written and enjoyable, with excellent characters and a story that is not your standard fantasy. Wellman introduced fantasy built on an American folk tradition that hadn’t been done before. You might be left wanting to know more about John and about this fantastic appalachian world — that’s why it became a long series. Recommended to anyone tired of the same Tolkein-inspired or Hogwarts-inspired fantasies.