12/30   O.k. i want to read Iain Banks' Culutre books.  Is _Consider Phlebas_
        the first one?  Are many in the series out of print? (that's going to
        suck if it turns out i like them).
        \_ _Phlebas_ is first, but _Use of Weapons_ and _Excession_ are
           the better earlier ones. Banks' stuff can be hard to find here;
           try a library or order from a UK bookseller.
            \_ The FAQ says not to start with Excession. <shrug> :)
               \_ Excession is my favorite!  It had Meatfucker in it,
                  my favorite Banks' character. -- ilyas
        \_ There really isn't an order to the books.  I did like Use of
           Weapons.  I think his best book is "Feersum Endjin", which is
           not actually a Culture book.  -tom
           \_ Feersum Endjin takes place in the Culture universe, and contains
              Culture characters, if one pays attention.
        \_ Player of Games is another good early one.  Generally don't start
           with the later novels.  The earlier ones are more interesting.
           Then again it could just be I read the earlier ones back when I
           was less descriminating.