{{Italic title}} '''''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.{{Sfn|Hunter|1985}} Each puzzle results in a numerical answer.{{Sfn|Bean|1985}} As in the ''Fighting Fantasy'' series of gamebooks, the puzzles are integrated into an overarching storyline with detailed illustrations.{{Sfn|W5|1987}}{{rp|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.{{Sfn|Hunter|1985}} Completing the twelve tasks reveals a thirteenth and final challenge.{{Sfn|Hunter|1985}}
==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.{{Sfn|W13|1988}}{{rp|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.{{Sfn|W13|1988}}{{rp|31}} However, this gave Jackson the idea to make "vibrant illustrations" the subject of the book itself, rather than merely a cover design.{{Sfn|W13|1988}}{{rp|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.{{Sfn|W13|1988}}{{rp|31-32}} During his July train journey from Edinburgh to London, Jackson figured out 10 of the puzzles.{{Sfn|W13|1988}}{{rp|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.{{Sfn|W13|1988}}{{rp|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.{{Sfn|W13|1988}}{{rp|33}} Lavis was previously known for illustrating book covers for works by Alan Garner and C. S. Lewis.{{Sfn|Hunter|1985}} 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.{{Sfn|W13|1988}}{{rp|33}}
When the book was published in September 1985, Jackson began receiving hundreds of letters from readers seeking hints and answers.{{Sfn|W13|1988}}{{rp|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.{{Sfn|Bean|1985}} However, no publisher was willing to publish only the answer key, as it wouldn't generate significant sales.{{Sfn|W13|1988}}{{rp|34}} Therefore, Jackson self-published and distributed a booklet containing hints for this book.{{Sfn|W13|1988}}{{rp|30}}
==References== {{Reflist}} ===Sources=== *{{Cite news |last=Bean|first=Bill|date=1985-11-02 |title=E.T.'s a hit, but Tantalon misses the mark |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/waterloo-region-record-ets-a-hit-but/196896029/ |access-date=2026-05-04 |work=Waterloo Region Record |pages=48}} *{{Cite news |last=Hunter |first=Alexis |date=1985-09-07 |title=Bookshelf |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/greenock-telegraph-bookshelf/196895040/ |access-date=2026-05-04 |work=Greenock Telegraph |pages=10}} *{{Cite journal|title=Invitations to science fiction games / Images of star designers #5: Steve Jackson (UK) |last=Yasuda|first=Hitoshi |journal=Warlock |language=Japanese|location=Tokyo|publisher=Shakaishisosha |volume=5|pages=14 - 15|date=1987-05-01|isbn=4-390-80005-1|ref={{SfnRef|W5|1987}}}} *{{Cite journal|title=Hints and answers of The Tasks of Tantalon (1) |journal=Warlock |language=Japanese|location=Tokyo|publisher=Shakaishisosha |volume=13|pages=30 - 35|date=1988-01-01|isbn=4-390-80013-2|ref={{SfnRef|W13|1988}}}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tasks of Tantalon, The}} Category:Books by Steve Jackson (British game designer) Category:Oxford University Press books Category:Puzzle books Category:Fighting Fantasy