A dazzling illustrated edition of the book that started it all-for readers of A Song of Ice and
Fire and fans of HBO's Game of Thrones. Published in celebration of the twentieth anniversary
of George R. R. Martin's landmark series this lavishly illustrated special edition of A Game
of Thrones-featuring gorgeous full-page artwork as well as black-and-white illustrations in
every chapter-revitalizes the fantasy masterpiece that became a cultural phenomenon. And now
the mystery intrigue romance and adventure of this magnificent saga come to life as never
before. A GAME OF THRONES A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE: BOOK ONE With a special foreword by John
Hodgman Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark the northernmost of the
fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King's Landing. There Eddard
Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert's name. There his family dwells in peace and comfort: his
proud wife Catelyn his sons Robb Brandon and Rickon his daughters Sansa and Arya and his
bastard son Jon Snow. Far to the north behind the towering Wall lie savage Wildings and
worse-unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer but proving all too
real and all too deadly in the turning of the season. Yet a more immediate threat lurks to
the south where Jon Arryn the Hand of the King has died under mysterious circumstances. Now
Robert is riding north to Winterfell bringing his queen the lovely but cold Cersei his son
the cruel vainglorious Prince Joffrey and the queen's brothers Jaime and Tyrion of the
powerful and wealthy House Lannister-the first a swordsman without equal the second a dwarf
whose stunted stature belies a brilliant mind. All are heading for Winterfell and a fateful
encounter that will change the course of kingdoms. Meanwhile across the Narrow Sea Prince
Viserys heir of the fallen House Targaryen which once ruled all of Westeros schemes to
reclaim the throne with an army of barbarian Dothraki-whose loyalty he will purchase in the
only coin left to him: his beautiful yet innocent sister Daenerys.
