If the past is prologue, then George R. R. Martins masterwork--the most inventive and entertaining fantasy saga of our time--warrants one hell of an introduction. At long last, it has arrived with The World of Ice & Fire.

This lavishly illustrated volume is a comprehensive history of the Seven Kingdoms, providing vividly constructed accounts of the epic battles, bitter rivalries, and daring rebellions that lead to the events of A Song of Ice and Fire and HBOs Game of Thrones. In a collaboration thats been years in the making, Martin has teamed with Elio M. Garcia, Jr., and Linda Antonsson, the founders of the renowned fan site Westeros.org--perhaps the only people who know this world almost as well as its visionary creator.

Collected here is all the accumulated knowledge, scholarly speculation, and inherited folk tales of maesters and septons, maegi and singers, including

- full-color artwork and maps, with more than 170 original pieces

- full family trees for Houses Stark, Lannister, and Targaryen

- in-depth explorations of the history and culture of Westeros

- 100% all-new material, more than half of which Martin wrote specifically for this book

The definitive companion piece to George R. R. Martins dazzlingly conceived universe, The World of Ice & Fire is indeed proof that the pen is mightier than a storm of swords.