I read a fair amount of fantasy to go with fiction and non-fiction. All have their place for me.
I read a lot of science fiction in my youth. Much of that would be classed as fantasy today, and I still like the genre. Fantasy writers (good fantasy writers) and fiction writers have the possibility of 'social commentary' in their craft. They can speak out on today's headlines by example in their craft.
For the record: I still think Tolkien is the master, followed by Heinlein and Steven King in the fantasy genre.
Very true! And a lot of them did just that through their craft. Kafka, Ionesco for a few examples. Even contemporaries like Steven Erikson.
Tolkien is the king, no doubt! I think of Ursula and Erikson in a similar light.
Even though I've read way too many fantasy series, haven't read much sci-fi. Short stories here and here, that's about it. I love all of Jules Verne and The Foundation series by Asimov. I know of Dune and King's The Dark Tower.
Do you have any recommendations?
Yes. Arthur C Clarke and Robert Heinlein. Clarke's Ringworld series and Heinlein's Lazarus Long books. Oh, and Harry Harrison wrote the Stainless Steel Rat series, it was great fun. He also wrote a serious alternative history of the American Civil War...
I just loved Arthur C Clarke's "Tales of the White Heart". A collection of short stories.
Heard about C Clarke and Heinlein's series I think but had no idea about Harry Harrison.
Thanks a lot, will check them out!