a wizard of earthsea is probably in the top 3 most important fantasy novels of all time. it's shockingly antiracist for 1968 (unless you know le guin, then it's not shocking at all) and while not being particularly feminist, i think it takes enough big steps already. plus, it was like The Fantasy Novel at the time it was published, and i doubt it would have been that had it tried to do any more. sadly. 

there is so much more sailing and sea action than i first expected?? don't let people pitch this to you (at least this first book) as "the original wizarding school", which i also fell for, because about 80% of the book takes place in some corner of the ocean.

vetch is an angel. i love that guy. what better friend exists in the entire world but vetch? seriously i want him to attend my wedding. 

LOVED earthsea. tombs of atuan is in my amazon cart. lets goooooo