Her Majesty's Wizard
Her Majesty's Wizard is one of the earliest books by Christopher Stasheff.
| File:Her majesty's wizard cover page.JPG Her Majesty's Wizard cover | |
| Author | Christopher Stasheff |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | A Wizard in Rhyme |
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Publisher | Del Rey Books |
Publication date | 1986 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Hardcover, Paperback |
| Pages | 352 pp (paperback) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0-345-27456-3 Parameter error in {{ISBNT}}: invalid character |
| Preceded by | none |
| Followed by | The Oathbound Wizard |
The plot
A PhD student called Matthew "Matt" Mantrell is transported into a fantasy world. In that world, which mirrors our own (but a thousand years ago), magic still reigns supreme. Dragons, wizards, sorcerers and giants are just some of the exotic residents of this world. Most importantly, faith (in the Christ) exists in this world, and largely influences the works of men [1]. Devout men who believe in God - exactly the way the Christian doctrine dictates - will turn out successful in their actions.
Matt found himself the unwitting hero who has to rescue royalty-in-distress and help her regain her rule from an evil usurper.
Themes
Catholic thought and tradition are the driving forces in this work. The author forms a world in which the catechism as well as some early traditions translates directly into reality. (See passages on the blood royal, and the siege of the convent.)
Any student of Catholicism will quickly see their studies reflected in the lives and actions of the characters. (i.e. the princess’s admonition to Matt after they encounter the lust witch, and the priest/werewolf’s internal turmoil)
Another important theme is the culture shock resulting from an individual abruptly transitioning from our modern relativistic culture into a black and white world. Stasheff goes to great lengths in juxtaposing the modern and medieval mindsets. (An excellent example here is Matt’s interaction with Maxwell’s Demon, a sub plot carried into book two of the series.)
Criticism
The book gets most of its criticism from its strong adherence to the Christian doctrine [2]. While it is well written, and tension and humor are kept throughout the book, it carries a very large propaganda in it. If you're not a good Christian, then you're not one of the 'good guys'. If you think lusty thoughts for your neighbor, then you are a sinner, and just might transform into a werewolf when the moon is full. The sin here lies in the thought - and not in the actual doings. The way to repent your sins is not to think over them or try to make amends to the ones hurt by them. To repent for your sins in the eyes of God, you must go to a confessor and confess your sins. He will then send you to recite a few 'ave Maria' or the likes - and you're back into the fold. Of course this is because it takes place in a world where god and devil are very much present.
Dramatis Personae
Matthew "Matt" Mantrell : A PhD student who, through reading forbidden runes, stumbled into a magical world similar to his original Earth homeland. The geography of the new world is similar to Matt's home world, and even shared some common history. By accident, he discovered he could perform magic in the new world by reciting rhymes.
Alisande : The rightful ruler of Merovence and a damsel-in-distress.
Sir Guy de Toutarien : Brave and upright knight and epitome of romantic knight in feudal age.
Stegoman : A fire-breathing dragon who unfortunately got intoxicated whenever he breathed fire.
Sources
[1] Her Majesty's Wizard, Christopher Stasheff, 1986
[2] http://www.amazon.com/Her-Majestys-Wizard-Christopher-Stasheff/dp/0345274563