Random question that came to mind after re-reading Lord of the Rings. LotR started a lot of fantasy tropes, but the magic as depicted in Tolkien’s work is generally pretty indirect and subtle. Gandalf lights fires and Saruman has his commanding voice. The One Ring’s invisibility is perhaps the most straightforward magic effect depicted.
So, historically, what books ramped up the level of fantasy magic? Or did it rather happen in D&D? #literature#fantasy
