What an interesting batch of books! You're already aware of my love for the Lymond Chronicles and its amazing ride. Dunnett was so brilliant; I have no idea how she managed to keep that much information and that many plot twists sorted out while blending incredibly complex characterization with actions scenes and comedy with really heart-wrenching disaster. And thank you for the Dunnett blog link in comments! I just watched an interview the blogger posted, conducted shortly after Dunnett published the third of eight volumes in the Niccolo series. It was fascinating to hear her talk about, well, everything, and to be told that once she'd marshalled all her information, she could sit down and write an entire chapter in one day. Good heavens. But somehow not surprising. Neither was it surprising that she was involved in discovering some of the little-known facts concerning the life of Anselm Adorne (possibly my favorite character from the Niccolo series and one of the actual historical figures she occasionally used). And you know the interview is barely skimming the surface. *headshake* It's hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that, prior to Game of Kings, Dunnett had never written a novel.

By the way, if you're interested, there are two volumes entitled "The Dorothy Dunnett Companion" that identify sources, give the background on historical figures, and provide translations of quotes, among other things. Book One is nice to have on hand while reading (or re-reading) the Lymond Chronicles.

Oh, I remember Aickman! It's been years decades (eek!) since I picked up one of his books, but I still recall the distinct, unsettling atmosphere of his stories. He's very good and not at all heavy-handed. Gorey's style is a perfect match for him.

I've seen The Fox Woman come across the counter, but I've never stopped to browse through it. You may have given me the incentive to winkle it out next time and add it to my towering TBR stack.