The War Hound and the World's Pain

The War Hound and the World's Pain is a 1981 fantasy novel by English writer Michael Moorcock, the first of the "von Bek" series of novels.

The War Hound and the World's Pain
Dust-jacket from the first edition
AuthorMichael Moorcock
Cover artistRowena Morrill
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
SeriesUlrich von Bek
GenreFantasy
PublisherTimescape
Publication date
1981
Media typePrint (Hardback)
Pages239
ISBN0-671-43708-9
OCLC7575956
823/.914 19
LC ClassPR6063.O59 W3 1981
Followed byThe City in the Autumn Stars 

Plot summary

The book is set in Europe ravaged by the Thirty Years' War. Its hero Ulrich von Bek is a mercenary and freethinker, who finds himself a damned soul in a castle owned by Lucifer. Much to his surprise, von Bek is charged by Lucifer with doing God's work, by finding the Holy Grail, the "cure for the world's pain," that will also cure Lucifer's pain by reconciling him with God. Only through doing this can von Bek save his soul.

After many adventures, von Bek eventually finds the Holy Grail, and discovers that it will set mankind on the path to self-redemption through rationality, without the help of God or the hindrance of Lucifer.

The story is continued in The City in the Autumn Stars (1986).

Reception

Dave Pringle reviewed The War Hound and the World's Pain for Imagine magazine, and stated that "I am pleased to report that it makes a delightful read. Although minor, it is much superior to the earlier quickies in, say, the 'Dorian Hawkmoon' series, Moorcock has honed his skills over the years, and they now show a fine gleaming edge."[1]

References
  1. Pringle, Dave (December 1983). "Book Review". Imagine (review). TSR Hobbies (UK), Ltd. (9): 35.


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