An edition of A Game of Thrones (1996)

A Game of Thrones

HBO Tie-in Edition

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Cover of: A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
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  • ★★★★ 4.2 (659 ratings) ·
  • 9,067 Want to read
  • 678 Currently reading
  • 766 Have read
Notes

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Last edited by ROpdebee
April 20, 2025 | History
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An edition of A Game of Thrones (1996)

A Game of Thrones

HBO Tie-in Edition

by

  • ★★★★ 4.2 (659 ratings) ·
  • 9,067 Want to read
  • 678 Currently reading
  • 766 Have read

In A Game of Thrones, George R.R. Martin has created a genuine masterpiece, bringing together the best the genre has to offer. Mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure fill the pages of the first volume in an epic series sure to delight fantansy fans everywhere.

In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes of the north of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom's protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.

—back cover

Publish Date
Publisher
Bantam Books
Language
English
Pages
835

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Previews available in: Spanish English French

Subjects

Adult, Action & Adventure, Fantasy, High Fantasy, Epic, Epic Fantasy, Epic Fiction, Epic Literature, Fiction, fantasy, epic, Fiction, fantasy, general, Science Fiction, Fantastic Fiction, Fiction, Ficción, Moral Ambiguity, Betrayal, Loyalty, Family, Revenge, Vengeance, Bien y mal, Civil War, War and Conflict, Imaginary Wars and Battles, Guerras imaginarias, Politics, Intrigue, Feudalism, Royalty and Nobility, Kings and Rulers, Knights, Courts and Courtiers, Seasons, Invierno, Trial by Combat, Voyages and Travels, Walls, Penal Colonies, Magic, Dragons, Supernatural, Wights, Folk Healers, Incest, Forced Marriage, Persistent Vegetative States, Imaginary Places, Seven Kingdoms (Imaginary Place), Hugo Award Winner, Ignotus Award Winner, Locus Award Winner, New York Times Bestseller

People

Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Robb Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Rickon Stark, Jon Snow, Theon Greyjoy, Luwin, Rodrik Cassel, Jory Cassel, Vayon Poole, Jeyne Poole, Alyn, Tomard, Hallis Mollen, Harwin, Mordane, Mikken, Old Nan, Hodor, Osha, Syrio Forel, Rickard Karstark, Harrion Karstark, Eddard Karstark, Torrhen Karstark, Galbart Glover, Robett Glover, Mors Umber, Hother Umber, Jon Umber (the Greatjon), Jon Umber (the Smalljon), Maege Mormont, Wylis Manderly, Wendel Manderly, Roose Bolton, Hoster Tully, Edmure Tully, Brynden Tully, Robin Ryger, Utherydes Wayn, Tytos Blackwood, Jonos Bracken, Jason Mallister, Patrek Mallister, Marq Piper, Walder Frey, Stevron Frey, Walder Frey (Black Walder), Emmon Frey, Aenys Frey, Jared Frey, Hosteen Frey, Merrett Frey, Walder Frey (Little Walder), Lothar Frey, Walder Frey (Big Walder), Walder Rivers, Lysa Arryn, Robert Arryn, Yohn Royce, Robar Royce, Nestor Royce, Mya Stone, Lyn Corbray, Anya Waynwood, Colemon, Mord, Robert Baratheon, Joffrey Baratheon, Myrcella Baratheon, Tommen Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Bryce Caron, Tywin Lannister, Cersei Lannister, Jaime Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, Kevan Lannister, Lancel Lannister, Ilyn Payne, Podrick Payne, Bronn, Sandor Clegane, Gregor Clegane, Addam Marbrand, Harys Swyft, Loras Tyrell, Horas Redwyne, Hobber Redwyne, Barristan Selmy, Arys Oakheart, Boros Blount, Mandon Moore, Meryn Trant, Preston Greenfield, Balon Swann, Petyr Baelish, Varys, Pycelle, Gyles Rosby, Aron Santagar, Janos Slynt, Dontos Hollard, Lothor Brune, Jalabhar Xho, Gendry, Marillion, Chataya, Shae, Timett, Shagga, Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr, Jeor Mormont, Aemon, Benjen Stark, Othell Yarwyck, Bowen Marsh, Donal Noye, Alliser Thorne, Dywen, Yoren, Waymar Royce, Chett, Samwell Tarly, Grenn, Pypar, Dareon, Jaremy Rykker, Three-eyed crow, Viserys Targaryen, Daenerys Targaryen, Jorah Mormont, Illyrio Mopatis, Drogo, Qotho, Cohollo, Haggo, Rakharo, Jhogo, Aggo, Doreah, Irri, Jhiqui, Mirri Maz Duur

Places

Westeros, Seven Kingdoms, North, Winterfell, Winter town, Karhold, Last Hearth, White Harbor, Wolfswood, White Knife, Bear Island, Gift, Mole's Town, Wall, Castle Black, Shadow Tower, Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, Long Barrow, Beyond the Wall, Haunted forest, Riverlands, Riverrun, Twins, Harrenhal, Raventree Hall, Darry, Seagard, Stone Hedge, Blackwater Rush, Trident, Blue Fork, Green Fork, Red Fork, Tumblestone, Vale of Arryn, Eyrie, Bloody Gate, Stone (waycastle), Snow (waycastle), Sky (waycastle), Gates of the Moon, Gulltown, Fingers, Three Sisters, Giant's Lance, Alyssa's Tears, Mountains of the Moon, Casterly Rock, Golden Tooth, Lannisport, Crownlands, Kingsroad, King's Landing, Red Keep, Great Sept of Baelor, Kingswood, Dragonstone, Stormlands, Storm's End, Reach, Highgarden, Narrow sea, Essos, Braavos, Lys, Myr, Pentos, Norvos, Qohor, Ghoyan Drohe, Dothraki sea, Vaes Dothrak, Qarth, Meereen, Summer Isles, Asshai

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2012, Harper Voyager
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A Game of Thrones
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A Game of Thrones: Book One of A Song of Ice and Fire
2003, Harper Voyager, HarperCollins Publishers
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A Game of Thrones: mary
May 28, 2002, Bantam Books
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A Game of Thrones: Book One of A Song of Fire and Ice
1997-09, Spectra
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Book Details

First Sentence

"“We should start back,” Gared urged as the woods began to grow dark around them."

Table of Contents

Prologue.
Page 1
Chapter 1. Bran (I)
Page 13
Chapter 2. Catelyn (I)
Page 22
Chapter 3. Daenerys (I)
Page 28
Chapter 4. Eddard (I)
Page 39
Chapter 5. Jon (I)
Page 49
Chapter 6. Catelyn (II)
Page 58
Chapter 7. Arya (I)
Page 68
Chapter 8. Bran (II)
Page 76
Chapter 9. Tyrion (I)
Page 86
Chapter 10. Jon (II)
Page 93
Chapter 11. Daenerys (II)
Page 99
Chapter 12. Eddard (II)
Page 109
Chapter 13. Tyrion (II)
Page 118
Chapter 14. Catelyn (III)
Page 128
Chapter 15. Sansa (I)
Page 139
Chapter 16. Eddard (III)
Page 153
Chapter 17. Bran (III)
Page 160
Chapter 18. Catelyn (IV)
Page 165
Chapter 19. Jon (III)
Page 176
Chapter 20. Eddard (IV)
Page 190
Chapter 21. Tyrion (III)
Page 203
Chapter 22. Arya (II)
Page 215
Chapter 23. Daenerys (III)
Page 226
Chapter 24. Bran (IV)
Page 237
Chapter 25. Eddard (V)
Page 250
Chapter 26. Jon (IV)
Page 259
Chapter 27. Eddard (VI)
Page 272
Chapter 28. Catelyn (V)
Page 283
Chapter 29. Sansa (II)
Page 293
Chapter 30. Eddard (VII)
Page 305
Chapter 31. Tyrion (IV)
Page 324
Chapter 32. Arya (III)
Page 338
Chapter 33. Eddard (VIII)
Page 351
Chapter 34. Catelyn (VI)
Page 359
Chapter 35. Eddard (IX)
Page 378
Chapter 36. Daenerys (IV)
Page 385
Chapter 37. Bran (V)
Page 396
Chapter 38. Tyrion (V)
Page 410
Chapter 39. Eddard (X)
Page 424
Chapter 40. Catelyn (VII)
Page 431
Chapter 41. Jon (V)
Page 444
Chapter 42. Tyrion (VI)
Page 452
Chapter 43. Eddard (XI)
Page 462
Chapter 44. Sansa (III)
Page 472
Chapter 45. Eddard (XII)
Page 480
Chapter 46. Daenerys (V)
Page 489
Chapter 47. Eddard (XIII)
Page 501
Chapter 48. Jon (VI)
Page 515
Chapter 49. Eddard (XIV)
Page 523
Chapter 50. Arya (IV)
Page 530
Chapter 51. Sansa (IV)
Page 542
Chapter 52. Jon (VII)
Page 552
Chapter 53. Bran (VI)
Page 568
Chapter 54. Daenerys (VI)
Page 583
Chapter 55. Catelyn (VIII)
Page 595
Chapter 56. Tyrion (VII)
Page 607
Chapter 57. Sansa (V)
Page 618
Chapter 58. Eddard (XV)
Page 628
Chapter 59. Catelyn (IX)
Page 638
Chapter 60. Jon (VIII)
Page 652
Chapter 61. Daenerys (VII)
Page 665
Chapter 62. Tyrion (VIII)
Page 675
Chapter 63. Catelyn (X)
Page 694
Chapter 64. Daenerys (VIII)
Page 702
Chapter 65. Arya (V)
Page 716
Chapter 66. Bran (VII)
Page 729
Chapter 67. Sansa (VI)
Page 741
Chapter 68. Daenerys (IX)
Page 751
Chapter 69. Tyrion (IX)
Page 762
Chapter 70. Jon (IX)
Page 772
Chapter 71. Catelyn (XI)
Page 785
Chapter 72. Daenerys (X)
Page 798
Appendix.
Page 809
House Baratheon
Page 810
House Stark
Page 813
House Lannister
Page 816
House Arryn
Page 819
House Tully
Page 821
House Tyrell
Page 824
House Greyjoy
Page 827
House Martell
Page 830
The Old Dynasty: House Targaryen
Page 832
Acknowledgments.
Page 836
About the Author.
Page 837
Preview Excerpt.
Page 838

Edition Notes

US / Canada Edition.
Contains a preview excerpt of A Clash of Kings.
Frontmatter includes two maps of the A Game of Thrones territory.

© 1996 by George R. R. Martin.
Excerpt from A Clash of Kings copyright © 1999 by George R. R. Martin.
Cover art copyright © 2011 by Larry Rostant.

Maps by James Sinclair.
Heraldic crests by Virginia Norey.

Printed in the United States of America.

Published in
New York, USA
Series
A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One
Copyright Date
1996, 1999, 2011

Contributors

Copyright
George R. R. Martin
Copyright
Larry Rostant
Author Photographer
Parris McBride
Cover Art
Larry Rostant
Cover Design
David Stevenson
Illustrator
James Sinclair
Illustrator
Virginia Norey

The Physical Object

Format
Mass Market Paperback
Pagination
8 p. l., [1]-835, [21] p.
Number of pages
835
Dimensions
17.4 x 10.5 x 3.5 centimeters
Weight
402 grams

Edition Identifiers

Open Library
OL25420333M
ISBN 10
0553573403
ISBN 13
9780553573404
amazon.co.uk_asin
0553573403
Alibris ID
9780553573404
Goodreads
15780978

Work Identifiers

Work ID
OL257943W
BookBrainz
56b98999-106d-4c3b-bd46-25aa2a92ea52
MusicBrainz
a7499a1b-73b5-493c-9cef-26f96ee33eba
Wikidata
Q1751870

Work Description

A Game of Thrones is the inaugural novel in A Song of Ice and Fire, an epic series of fantasy novels crafted by the American author George R. R. Martin. Published on August 1, 1996, this novel introduces readers to the richly detailed world of Westeros and Essos, where political intrigue, power struggles, and magical elements intertwine.

The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, each chapter focusing on a different character, allowing readers to experience the narrative from various angles. This complex structure has become a hallmark of Martin's storytelling, immersing readers in the lives and motivations of a diverse cast.

Plot Summary

Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the narrative revolves around the power struggles among noble families vying for the Iron Throne, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The story is rich with political intrigue, betrayal, and epic battles, as well as a deep exploration of themes such as loyalty, honor, and the consequences of power.

Themes

The novel explores themes of power, loyalty, and the moral complexities of leadership. It delves into the consequences of ambition and the struggle between personal honor and political necessity. The richly detailed world-building and intricate character development make A Game of Thrones a compelling and immersive read.

Key Characters

  • Eddard "Ned" Stark: The honorable Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, known for his unwavering honor and sense of duty.
  • Catelyn Stark: The devoted wife of Eddard Stark, whose strength and wisdom guide her family through challenging times.
  • Robert Baratheon: The King of the Seven Kingdoms, who won the throne through rebellion. His reign is marked by political intrigue and personal struggles, reflecting the broader conflicts of the realm.
  • Cersei Lannister: The ambitious and cunning Queen of Westeros, whose political acumen and determination make her a formidable presence in the court.
  • Jaime Lannister: A skilled swordsman and member of the Kingsguard, known for his prowess in battle and complex loyalties.
  • Tyrion Lannister: The witty and resourceful dwarf, known for his sharp mind and cunning, navigating the treacherous politics of the realm.
  • Daenerys Targaryen: An exiled princess of House Targaryen, seeking to reclaim her birthright and restore her family's dynasty.
  • Jon Snow: The bastard son of Eddard Stark, who joins the Night's Watch and faces unique challenges in the far north.
  • Sansa Stark: The eldest daughter of Eddard Stark, initially known for her naivety and romantic ideals, who learns to navigate the complexities of court life.
  • Arya Stark: The youngest daughter of Eddard Stark, known for her spirited and adventurous nature, seeking her own path in the world.
  • Bran Stark: The second son of Eddard Stark, whose life takes a dramatic turn.

Awards and Recognition

  • Winner of the 1997 Locus Award
  • Nominated for the 1997 Nebula Award
  • Nominated for the 1997 World Fantasy Award
  • Winner of the 1997 Hugo Award for Best Novella for "Blood of the Dragon," which includes the Daenerys Targaryen chapters from the novel
  • Became a New York Times Bestseller in January 2011 and reached No. 1 on the list in July 2011

Followed by: A Clash of Kings

Excerpts

"We should start back," Gared urged as the woods began to grow dark around them.
added by Lisa.

first sentence

Bran thought about it. “Can a man still be brave if he’s afraid?” “That is the only time a man can be brave,” his father told him.
added by huginn4126.

Chapter: Bran I

"Yet our way is the older way. The blood of the First Men still flows in the veins of the Starks, and we hold to the belief that the man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. If you would take a man’s life, you owe it to him to look into his eyes and hear his final words. And if you cannot bear to do that, then perhaps the man does not deserve to die."
added by huginn4126.

Chapter: Bran I

Every noble house had its words. Family mottoes, touchstones, prayers of sorts, they boasted of honor and glory, promised loyalty and truth, swore faith and courage. All but the Starks. Winter is coming, said the Stark words.
added by huginn4126.

Chapter: Catelyn I

Some old wounds never truly heal, and bleed again at the slightest word.
added by huginn4126.

Chapter: Eddard I

"Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you."
added by huginn4126.

Chapter: Jon I

"My mind is my weapon. My brother has his sword, King Robert has his warhammer, and I have my mind … and a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge."
added by huginn4126.

Chapter: Tyrion II

"Let me tell you something about wolves, child. When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives. Summer is the time for squabbles. In winter, we must protect one another, keep each other warm, share our strengths. So if you must hate, Arya, hate those who would truly do us harm. Septa Mordane is a good woman, and Sansa … Sansa is your sister. You may be as different as the sun and the moon, but the same blood flows through both your hearts. You need her, as she needs you … and I need both of you, gods help me."
added by huginn4126.

Chapter: Arya II

"The common people pray for rain, healthy children, and a summer that never ends," Ser Jorah told her. "It is no matter to them if the high lords play their game of thrones, so long as they are left in peace." He gave a shrug. "They never are."
added by huginn4126.

Chapter: Daenerys III

"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground."
added by huginn4126.

Chapter: Eddard XII

"Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I shall wear no crowns and win no glory. I shall live and die at my post. I am the sword in the darkness. I am the watcher on the walls. I am the fire that burns against the cold, the light that brings the dawn, the horn that wakes the sleepers, the shield that guards the realms of men. I pledge my life and honor to the Night’s Watch, for this night and all the nights to come."
added by huginn4126.

Chapter: Jon VI

"The things we love destroy us every time, lad. Remember that."
added by huginn4126.

Chapter: Jon VII

Links outside Open Library

Community Reviews (19)

Pace 4 Slow paced 28% Medium paced 28% Fast paced 28% Meandering 14% Enjoyability 8 Engaging 50% Exciting 41% Boring 8% Clarity 6 Clearly written 42% Dense 28% Succinct 14% Well organized 14% Difficulty 7 Beginner 42% Advanced 42% Intermediate 14% Breadth 3 Comprehensive 66% Focused 33% Genres 5 Horror 12% Romance 12% Mystery 12% Drama 12% Fantasy 6% Review 6% Classic 6% Satire 6% Exploratory 6% Philosophical 6% Crime 6% Textbook 6% Mood 3 Scientific 33% Tense 16% Mysterious 16% Emotional 16% Hopeful 16% Impressions 4 Recommend 50% Highly recommend 50% Length 8 Medium 50% Long 30% Short 20% Credibility 4 Trendy 25% Accurate 25% Objective 25% Inaccurate 25% Features 5 Chapters 18% Problem sets 12% Tables, diagrams, and figures 12% Index 12% Interviews 6% Table of contents 6% Bibliography 6% Illustrations 6% Glossary 6% Appendix 6% Proofs 6% Content Warnings 3 Adult themes 60% Graphic imagery 20% Trigger warnings 20% Style 4 Neologisms 33% Technical 33% Olde 16% Slang 16% Purpose 3 Entertainment 33% Broaden perspective 33% Inspiration 33%

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History

Download catalog record: RDF / JSON / OPDS | Wikipedia citation
April 20, 2025 Edited by ROpdebee IA item with matching details
April 20, 2025 Edited by ROpdebee ToC copied from another edition, verified against my own copy.
April 20, 2025 Edited by ROpdebee enter details from my copy
April 20, 2025 Edited by ROpdebee Update covers
December 20, 2012 Created by Martin Aznar Added new book.