The Phoenix and the Mirror
$ 12.00
Author: Avram Davidson
Publisher: Ace 66100
Year: 1969 Print: 1 Cover Price: $.75
Condition: Book Grades. Very Good. Light wear
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 222
80126089E
The story centers on Vergil Magus, a character based on the real Roman poet Virgil. However, the book uses medieval legends that claimed the real poet was actually a powerful alchemist and wizard.
The plot kicks off when Queen Cornelia of Carsus discovers Vergil's identity. She wants to find her missing daughter, Laura. To force Vergil to help her, she uses dark magic to take his manhood and soul hostage.
To win his freedom back, Vergil must forge a "virgin speculum"—a magical bronze mirror that has never reflected a human face. When the mirror is finished, the first image it reflects will reveal where the lost princess is hidden.
Making the mirror is incredibly difficult. Vergil cannot use regular metal. He must sail across the Mediterranean to gather pure, unsmelted tin and copper.
