What is the First Book of Game of Thrones?

The widely popular HBO television series Game of Thrones is based on the book series "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin. However, the confusion often arises regarding the naming and origin of the first book in the series, which is titled "A Game of Thrones."

1. The Actual Series Title: "A Song of Ice and Fire"

It's important to note that the actual title of the series of books is "A Song of Ice and Fire," not "Game of Thrones." This series follows the great families of Westeros as they compete for the Iron Throne. As the first book in the series, "A Game of Thrones" sets the stage for the intricate plot and characters that would follow.

2. The Book's Content and Structure

"A Game of Thrones" begins where the television series does, with Ser Weymar Royce and his party ranging beyond the Wall and encountering the Others, a dire and looming threat to Westeros. The narrative quickly shifts to other key characters, such as Ned Stark and his family, as they navigate the treacherous political landscape of the Seven Kingdoms.

3. The Political Struggle Before the Main Events

One of the distinctive features of the series, even starting from the first book "A Game of Thrones," is the way the political struggle for power is depicted. Part one of the political story, often referred to as "part one of the story," takes place over a decade before the main events of the story proper. This setup allows Martin to build a rich, layered narrative that keeps readers engaged with the mystery and intrigue surrounding key historical events, such as Rhaegar Targaryen's disappearance and his rumored relationship with Lyanna Stark.

4. Revealing the Backstory

The backstory is gradually revealed in each subsequent book, giving readers (and viewers) a deeper understanding of the characters and events. For instance, the first book introduces the central characters and hints at the history that influences their decisions, while later books delve into more detailed accounts of these events. This approach prevents the exposition from becoming too cumbersome or linear, which would not work as well in a television series as it does in a novel.

5. Additional Resources and Novellas

In addition to the main series of books, "A Song of Ice and Fire" has a rich supporting canon, including novellas and companion books that provide additional context and backstory. For example, "The World of Ice and Fire" is a comprehensive history of Westeros, detailing the history of the region from long before Aegon's Conquest. Similarly, novellas like "The Dunk and Egg Novellas" explore the childhood of Aegon V, giving fans a more in-depth look at certain characters and their backgrounds.

Similarly, other books like "Tales of Dunk and Egg," "The Princess and the Queen," and "The Rogue Prince" add to the tapestry of the world and its histories, offering valuable insights into key moments and individuals that shape the series' narrative.

Overall, "A Game of Thrones" sets the stage for what would become one of the most beloved series in modern fantasy literature, blending political intrigue, personal drama, and epic conflict to create a compelling and immersive world that continues to captivate both readers and viewers.