Robert Rankin

Robert Rankin is a British author of comedic fantasy novels known for blending science fiction, fantasy, and outrageous humor. Since beginning his writing career in the late 1970s, he has become one of Britain's prolific writers of what he terms 'Far Fetched Fiction', with his works selling millions of copies. Rankin's novels typically feature a distinctive mix of urban legends, metafiction, steampunk elements, and recurring characters, most often set in Brentford, London. The suburb serves as a backdrop for bizarre tales involving alien conspiracies, ancient evils, and supernatural occurrences, all treated with his characteristic absurdist style. His breakthrough into mainstream success came with the 1999 novel "Snuff Fiction," though he had already established a dedicated following through his previous eighteen books. The author's contribution to the steampunk genre was formally recognized in 2009 when he was named the first Fellow of The Victorian Steampunk Society. Beyond his writing, Rankin served as Writer in Residence at Brentford's Watermans Arts Centre in the 1980s, where he organized what was claimed to be Britain's largest regular poetry event. His work has inspired a dedicated fan club called The Order of the Golden Sprout, which continues to celebrate his literary universe through various events and activities.

Readers praise Rankin's absurdist humor, inventive wordplay, and running jokes that span multiple books. Many fans connect with his blend of science fiction concepts and British pub culture. Multiple reviews highlight the intricate plots that connect seemingly random events. Readers appreciate: - Dense references and callbacks between books - Memorable recurring characters like Hugo Rune - Integration of conspiracy theories and urban legends - Authentic portrayal of London's Brentford area Common criticisms: - Plots can become convoluted and hard to follow - Later books repeat similar story structures - Humor style requires specific taste - Some find the meta-commentary intrusive Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 3.8/5 across all titles Amazon UK: 4.2/5 average The Brentford Trilogy books rate highest among readers One reader on Goodreads noted: "Like Terry Pratchett meets Douglas Adams in a pub." Another wrote: "The jokes wear thin after a few books, but the first ones are brilliant."

The Antipope The first book in the Brentford Trilogy follows two drinking buddies who must prevent the rebirth of the Antipope in their London suburb.

Raiders of the Lost Car Park A tale of time travel and conspiracy involving a multi-story car park in Brentford and the legendary King Arthur.

The Book of Ultimate Truths A young man inherits a mission to complete the work of Hugo Rune, a mysterious writer who claimed to know the ultimate truths of existence.

Nostradamus Ate My Hamster A story about time travel, Hollywood, and Adolf Hitler's attempts to rewrite history through the movie industry.

The Most Amazing Man Who Ever Lived Chronicles the adventures of Norman Hartnell as he deals with resurrection, time travel, and a plot involving Victorian scientists.

The Dance of the Voodoo Handbag Explores the consequences of a computer program designed to digitize human souls.

Sex and Drugs and Sausage Rolls The story of a rock band called Gandhi's Hairdryer and their involvement in supernatural events in Brentford.

Waiting for Godalming A detective story featuring God's murder and an insurance claims investigator who must solve the case.

The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse Set in Toy City, where a series of nursery crime murders must be solved by a human and his teddy bear partner.

The Witches of Chiswick A steampunk adventure involving Victorian time travel and a conspiracy of witches in modern-day London.

The Brightonomicon Follows Hugo Rune and his apprentice through twelve mysteries based on the signs of the zodiac in Brighton.

The Toyminator A sequel to Hollow Chocolate Bunnies involving more toy-based crimes in Toy City.

Knees Up Mother Earth Centers on the efforts to save Brentford's football club from supernatural forces and property developers.

Apocalypso A story involving dimensional travel, Elvis Presley, and the end of all known realities.

Terry Pratchett mixes fantasy and satire in his Discworld series, creating intricate plots filled with social commentary and philosophical themes. His work shares Rankin's blend of the fantastic with the mundane, featuring recurring characters and locations across multiple books.

Douglas Adams combines science fiction with absurdist humor in works like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. His writing employs similar techniques to Rankin's, using seemingly random elements that connect in unexpected ways while maintaining running jokes throughout multiple books.

Tom Holt writes contemporary fantasy novels that place mythological elements and magical systems in modern settings. His books feature ordinary protagonists dealing with extraordinary circumstances while maintaining a similar tone to Rankin's work.

Jasper Fforde creates alternative reality stories that blend literary references with detective fiction and fantasy elements. His Thursday Next series demonstrates comparable meta-fictional techniques to Rankin's work, breaking the fourth wall and playing with narrative conventions.

Grant Morrison writes comics and novels that combine urban fantasy with conspiracy theories and metaphysical concepts. His work shares Rankin's interest in mixing pop culture references with complex mythologies while subverting genre expectations.