World of Gor: Gorean Encyclopaedia — Hardback Edition

The people, places, creatures, customs and cultures of the Counter-Earth, collected in one reference volume.

John Norman’s Gorean Cycle spans dozens of novels and an enormous body of setting material.

World of Gor: Gorean Encyclopaedia gathers that lore into an organised reference work for readers, roleplayers, Games Masters and writers.

Created as a companion to the Tales of Gor roleplaying game, it can also be used independently by anyone seeking a guide to Gor and its many cultures, customs and inhabitants.

Thirty-Four Novels Summarised

The book begins with introductory material on Gor and the author’s own history with the series.

It then provides concise summaries of the thirty-four Gorean novels published at the time of writing, offering an overview of the series before moving into the main encyclopaedia.

An A–Z Guide to Gor

The main body of the book is arranged in strict alphabetical order for quick reference.

Entries cover subjects including:

• Prominent individuals.

• Cities, peoples and cultures.

• Gorean castes.

• Flora and fauna.

• Popular beliefs and customs.

• Clothing.

• Weapons.

• Diseases.

• Musical instruments.

• Games and entertainments.

• Everyday life on Gor.

• The Gorean Tarot.

• The rules and background of kaissa.

A calendar appendix provides further information for readers and Games Masters.

Relevant quotations from the novels accompany the entries, linking the reference material back to its original sources.

A Practical Companion for Tales of Gor

The Tales of Gor core book contains the Open D6 rules, character creation and enough introductory setting material to begin playing.

World of Gor provides the broader reference material needed when a campaign moves deeper into the cultures, customs and history of the Counter-Earth.

Use it to:

• Research a city, caste, people or custom before a session.

• Answer setting questions during play.

• Introduce players to unfamiliar aspects of Gorean society.

• Add detail to characters, adventures and locations.

• Support campaigns drawing upon material from across the novels.

One reviewer particularly praised the caste entries for explaining each caste’s profession, clothing and place within Gorean society, making complicated setting material easier to present to players.

Useful Without the Roleplaying Game

No roleplaying system is required to use the encyclopaedia.

It is also intended for:

• Readers of the Gorean Cycle.

• Online and informal Gorean roleplayers.

• Fan-fiction writers.

• People creating Gorean fan projects.

• Readers returning to the series who need a quick reference.

• Collectors seeking a substantial guide to the Counter-Earth.

A reviewer described the book as valuable even for those who do not play the RPG, praising its usefulness as a reading companion and its ability to replace searches through numerous books and websites.

Illustrated by Michael Manning

World of Gor features original pen-and-ink artwork by fetish and comic-book artist Michael Manning, known for works including The Spider Garden and Tranceptor.

His illustrations provide distinctive interpretations of Gor, its inhabitants and its creatures.

Reviewers praised the artwork for capturing the setting’s exotic character, with particular approval given to Manning’s depictions of Gorean animals.

Positively Reviewed

Published reviews have praised World of Gor for:

• Its clear alphabetical organisation.

• Its breadth of setting information.

• Its usefulness during play.

• Its value as a companion to the novels.

• Its detailed treatment of subjects such as castes and kaissa.

• Michael Manning’s illustrations.

• Bringing information scattered throughout the series together in one place.

One RPGNow customer called it a fantastic addition to Tales of Gor, praised its content as phenomenal and considered it essential for a Gorean campaign.

A separate review described it as an excellent resource for anyone seeking to understand Gor in greater depth, whether for gaming or reading.

The Hardback Edition

This edition presents the complete World of Gor: Gorean Encyclopaedia in a durable hardback format suited to regular reference and collection.

Keep it beside the novels.

Place it behind the Games Master’s screen.

Consult it while reading, writing or exploring the Counter-Earth.

Open the World of Gor.

This listing is for the physical hardback edition of World of Gor: Gorean Encyclopaedia, written by James Desborough and illustrated by Michael Manning. This is a setting reference rather than a standalone roleplaying game. Contains artistic nudity and complex adult themes, including slavery, sexuality and violence. Mature audiences only.