Let's get this out of the way: 'Checklist' isn't a novel. Don't pick it up expecting spaceships or magic swords. Instead, it's a detailed bibliography, a catalog of the published works of authors Marion Zimmer Bradley (of Mists of Avalon fame) and Gene Damon (a noted critic and editor). It lists their stories, articles, and books up to its publication date. On the surface, it's a reference tool for collectors and scholars.

The Story

But here's the twist—the real story isn't on the pages. It's in the byline. The author is credited as 'Unknown'. The title page says it's 'by Marion Zimmer Bradley and Gene Damon,' but that seems to refer to the subjects of the checklist, not the compiler. So who actually put this thing together? Was it a fan? A colleague working in secret? The book offers no answers, turning a simple reference guide into a quiet, persistent mystery. You find yourself reading it not just for the data, but for clues hidden in the preface or the acknowledgments.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a time capsule. It captures a specific moment in genre publishing, showing just how prolific these writers were across magazines and anthologies. For fans of Bradley, it's a map to her lesser-known short fiction. But more than that, it's a lesson in how even the most straightforward book can have a hidden history. The 'Unknown' author adds a layer of intrigue that makes you think about all the unsung people who build the foundations of our favorite genres.

Final Verdict

This one's a niche pick, but a rewarding one. It's perfect for hardcore bibliophiles, completist fans of Marion Zimmer Bradley's career, or anyone fascinated by the behind-the-scenes history of science fiction and fantasy. If you enjoy literary mysteries or the feeling of holding a piece of obscure publishing history in your hands, 'Checklist' is a unique and curious find. Just don't expect it to solve its own central puzzle.