The Book of the New Sun is unanimously acclaimed as Gene Wolfe's most remarkable work; hailed as a masterpiece of science fantasy comparable in importance to the major works of Tolkien and Lewis by Publishers Weekly. Shadow & Claw brings together the first two books of the tetralogy in one volume: The Shadow of the Torturer is the tale of young Severian; an apprentice in the Guild of Torturers on the world called Urth; exiled for committing the ultimate sin of his profession -- showing mercy toward his victim. Ursula K. Le Guin said; Magic stuff . . . a masterpiece . . . the best science fiction I've read in years! The Claw of the Conciliator continues the saga of Severian; banished from his home; as he undertakes a mythic quest to discover the awesome power of an ancient relic; and learn the truth about his hidden destiny. One of the most ambitious works of speculative fiction in the twentieth century. -- The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction