# A Game of Thrones

> 1996 novel by George R. R. Martin

**Wikidata**: [Q1751870](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1751870)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Game_of_Thrones)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/a-game-of-thrones

## Summary

A Game of Thrones is the first novel in the epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, written by American author George R. R. Martin and published on August 9, 1996. It is a high fantasy work set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, serving as the foundational volume of a series that has become one of the most influential fantasy works of the modern era. The novel won the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel and has been adapted into the acclaimed HBO television series Game of Thrones.

## Key Facts

- **Title:** A Game of Thrones
- **Subtitle:** A Song of Ice and Fire, Book One
- **Author:** George R. R. Martin
- **Publication Date:** August 9, 1996
- **Genre:** Fantasy, High Fantasy
- **Series:** A Song of Ice and Fire (Book 1 of planned 7)
- **Preceded By:** None (first book in series)
- **Succeeded By:** A Clash of Kings (1998)
- **Awards:** Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel (1978 inception, awarded to the novel)
- **Country of Origin:** United States (independence declared July 4, 1776; recognized May 12, 1784)
- **Official Website:** https://georgerrmartin.com/grrm_book/a-game-of-thrones-a-song-of-ice-and-fire-book-one/
- **Wikipedia Title:** A Game of Thrones
- **Wikidata Description:** 1996 novel by George R. R. Martin
- **Sitelink Count:** 60

## FAQs

**What series does A Game of Thrones belong to?**
A Game of Thrones is the first book in A Song of Ice and Fire, a planned seven-volume epic fantasy series by George R. R. Martin.

**What award did A Game of Thrones win?**
The novel won the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel, a literary award established in 1978 by Locus magazine, which covers science fiction and fantasy literature.

**When was A Game of Thrones published?**
The novel was published on August 9, 1996.

**What genre does A Game of Thrones belong to?**
The novel is classified as both fantasy and high fantasy, a sub-genre characterized by its completely fictional setting separate from the real world.

**What book follows A Game of Thrones?**
A Game of Thrones is followed by A Clash of Kings, which was published in 1998.

**Was A Game of Thrones adapted into a television series?**
Yes, the novel and the subsequent books in the series were adapted into the HBO television series Game of Thrones, which aired from 2011 to 2019.

**Where is A Game of Thrones set?**
The novel is set primarily on the fictional continent of Westeros, with secondary settings on the continent of Essos, featuring a detailed fantasy map of these lands.

## Why It Matters

A Game of Thrones matters because it revitalized and redefined the epic fantasy genre in the late 20th century. Unlike traditional high fantasy that often follows clear-cut moral frameworks with heroic protagonists, Martin's work introduced a gritty, politically complex narrative where characters face genuine consequences, including death. This approach influenced countless subsequent fantasy works and raised the bar for mature storytelling in the genre.

The novel's success spawned a multimedia franchise that includes the Emmy-winning HBO television adaptation, which became a global cultural phenomenon. The television series ran from 2011 to 2019 and significantly expanded the audience for Martin's written work, introducing millions of viewers to the complex world of Westeros.

The novel established many of the tropes and conventions that define modern fantasy literature, including detailed political intrigue, morally ambiguous characters, and a willingness to subvert traditional fantasy expectations. Its influence extends beyond literature into television, gaming, and popular culture, making it one of the most significant fantasy works of its generation.

## Notable For

- First novel in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, which has become one of the best-selling fantasy series worldwide
- Winner of the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel
- Basis for the HBO Game of Thrones television series (2011–2019), which won numerous Emmy Awards
- Introduced a new model for mature, politically complex fantasy storytelling
- Features a detailed fantasy map of its fictional setting
- Established George R. R. Martin as one of the most influential contemporary fantasy authors
- The novel and its series have been translated into numerous languages, reaching a global audience

## Body

### Publication History

A Game of Thrones was published on August 9, 1996, as the inaugural volume in George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. The novel was originally conceived as a trilogy, though Martin later expanded the planned scope to seven books. The book was published in the United States and quickly established itself as a significant work in the fantasy genre.

### Series Context

The novel serves as the first entry in A Song of Ice and Fire, a series of epic fantasy novels that has become one of the most popular fantasy series in the world. The series is set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, featuring multiple noble houses vying for control of the Iron Throne. A Game of Thrones introduces readers to the main characters, political dynamics, and geographic setting that would be expanded upon in subsequent volumes.

The novel was followed by A Clash of Kings in 1998, which continues the narrative of political intrigue and conflict established in the first book.

### Genre Classification

A Game of Thrones is classified as both a literary work—a written work read for enjoyment or edification—and specifically within the fantasy genre. It falls under the high fantasy sub-genre, which is defined by its fantastical setting in a completely fictional world rather than a modified version of reality. The novel features magical elements, mythical creatures, and a medieval-inspired setting typical of the high fantasy tradition.

### Awards and Recognition

The novel received critical acclaim and was recognized with the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel. The Locus Award is a literary award presented by Locus magazine, a prominent publication covering science fiction and fantasy. The award was established in 1978 and is given annually to recognize excellence in fantasy literature.

### Cultural Impact and Adaptations

The novel's success led to its adaptation into the HBO television series Game of Thrones, which aired from 2011 to 2019. The television series became a global phenomenon, winning numerous Emmy Awards and introducing the story to a vastly expanded audience. The adaptation covered the events of the novel and subsequent books in the series, though the television series ultimately diverged from the source material in its later seasons.

### Geographic Setting

The novel is set primarily in Westeros, a fictional continent that serves as the main setting for the story. The continent features a detailed geography that is represented through fantasy maps—visual representations of imaginary or fictional geography. Westeros is home to the Seven Kingdoms, various noble houses, and the Wall, a massive structure marking the northern border of civilization. Secondary settings include Essos, the eastern continent, which is introduced in the novel and explored further in subsequent books.

### Author Background

George R. R. Martin is an American author known for his work in the fantasy genre. The novel was published in the United States, a country located primarily in North America that declared independence on July 4, 1776, with its independence formally recognized by the Treaty of Paris in 1784.

### Connection to Related Works

A Game of Thrones exists within a broader ecosystem of related works and classifications. It is connected to the fantasy genre as a whole, which draws inspiration from real-world myth and folklore. The novel is also part of the tradition of epic fantasy literature, characterized by its scope, multiple POV characters, and intricate world-building. The fantasy map associated with the novel represents the visual geography of its fictional world, a common element in high fantasy works that helps readers visualize the settings described in the narrative.

## References

1. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
2. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/Locus_Awards_1997)
3. MusicBrainz
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://archive.org/details/gameofthronesaso00geor)
6. [A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL257943W/A_Game_of_Thrones?edition=key%3A/books/OL26425706M)
7. [A Game of Thro | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/books/OL7826547M/A_Game_of_Thrones)
8. [Source](https://www.sfadb.com/World_Fantasy_Awards_1997)
9. [Source](https://nebulas.sfwa.org/award-year/1997/)
10. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/A_Game_of_Thrones-EAAY66)
11. Goodreads