The Tasks of Tantalon
The Tasks of Tantalon is a puzzle book written by Steve Jackson, and illustrated by Stephen Lavis. It was published by Oxford University Press in 1985.
Contents
The Tasks of Tantalon presents a series of thirteen challenging puzzles, with clues hidden in complex color illustrations.[1] Each puzzle results in a numerical answer.[2] As in the Fighting Fantasy series of gamebooks, the puzzles are integrated into an overarching storyline with detailed illustrations.[3]: 15 The reader is given twelve tasks by an aging wizard who seeks to find a successor worthy of ruling the fantasy kingdom of Gallantria.[1] Completing the twelve tasks reveals a thirteenth and final challenge.[1]
Production
The book came into being when David Fickling, an editor at Oxford University Press, approached Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone with the idea of creating a gamebook aimed at younger children.[4]: 31 Fickling's concept was "a work that would attract readers with vibrant illustrations, instead of offering a wide range of choices or using dice," but Jackson showed no interest in works for children.[4]: 31 However, this gave Jackson the idea to make "vibrant illustrations" the subject of the book itself, rather than merely a cover design.[4]: 31
Inspired by the twelve Labours of Hercules in Greek mythology, Jackson believed that a similar concept could open up new possibilities in Fighting Fantasy, and so he began working on designing the puzzles.[4]: 31–32 During his July train journey from Edinburgh to London, Jackson figured out 10 of the puzzles.[4]: 32
Jackson and Fickling then began searching for an illustrator, but finding someone willing to undertake such a voluminous project that would take two years was not easy.[4]: 32–33 Finally, Stephen Lavis, whom Fickling brought in, was completely thrilled with the idea for this book, and he and Jackson had several lunches at pubs, engaging in heated discussions.[4]: 33 Lavis was previously known for illustrating book covers for works by Alan Garner and C. S. Lewis.[1] Initially, the book was titled The Tasks of Tantalus, but it was later renamed The Tasks of Tantalon after it was discovered that there was a character named Tantalus in Greek mythology.[4]: 33
When the book was published in September 1985, Jackson began receiving hundreds of letters from readers seeking hints and answers.[4]: 33–34 One reviewer said that the book was a "disappointment" because the puzzles were too challenging to be rewarding; the reviewer was unable to solve most of them, and a child "test reader" abandoned the book in frustration.[2] However, no publisher was willing to publish only the answer key, as it wouldn't generate significant sales.[4]: 34 Therefore, Jackson self-published and distributed a booklet containing hints for this book.[4]: 30
References
Sources
- Bean, Bill (1985-11-02). "E.T.'s a hit, but Tantalon misses the mark". Waterloo Region Record. p. 48. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- Hunter, Alexis (1985-09-07). "Bookshelf". Greenock Telegraph. p. 10. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- Yasuda, Hitoshi (1987-05-01). "Invitations to science fiction games / Images of star designers #5: Steve Jackson (UK)". Warlock (in Japanese). 5. Tokyo: Shakaishisosha: 14–15. ISBN 4-390-80005-1.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: periodical has ISBN (link) - "Hints and answers of The Tasks of Tantalon (1)". Warlock (in Japanese). 13. Tokyo: Shakaishisosha: 30–35. 1988-01-01. ISBN 4-390-80013-2.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: periodical has ISBN (link)