[Kulthozuer]

So I began running Shadowrun by myself a couple years ago, having no prior experiance. Lately I have had a lot easier of a time running shadowrun and my friends agree that it has gotten a lot more fun. I however am at college and can only run shadowrun for them when I'm home, as of such I have been extremely interested in the history of shadowrun. As I started in 4th edition I only read the brief history in the 4th edition books and what I could gleam from the history section on this forum...

So heres my question: If I was to get a mostly complete knowledge of the backround of shadowrun and interesting and entertaining stories that lay therein, where would I start? Can anyone suggest to me a few novels or sourcebooks to read to get me started and I can take it from there?

-Kulthozuer

[Murrdox]

Sixth World Wiki is a great place to start.  After that I really like the recent Corporate Guide, it gives a good rundown on the history of the various corporations and their shenanigans, which I personally love.

I haven't read a lot of Shadowrun fiction, I'm actually planning on getting back into it a bit, but Dance with Dragons is keeping me momentarily distracted.

I did however read the very old "Never Deal with a Dragon", which I remember being pretty cool.

[nakano]

From a straight up history perspective the Sixth World Almanac is full of info.  In terms of the neat bits of SR lore, they are sprinkled through the books.  Just abour anything that is not a pure gear book will have some cool info.  The two threats books are  a great read(though from a previous edition).  In terms of novels, 2XS is the champ... 

[Kulthozuer]

Yes I was looking at the Almanac after I posted and I heard about 2XS and was interested to read that. I think I will read the Almanac for pure history purposes and then browse through the lore, besides 2XS are there any other MUST read shadowrun books?

[ArkangelWinter]

Everyone has their favorites. I'd read through Born to Run and Queen Euphoria, in addition to those mentioned

[MisterJohnson]

Read the Findley's Omnibus - it's FOUR great SR novels in one book.  Otherwise, refer to the Sixth World Almanac and read through the opening timeline of the SR4A rulebook.  Those are the places I'd start.

[nakano]

Gotta add my support for the the Findley omnibus.  I own all the DTF books but even so I will likely pick up the PDF. 

Which reminds me, if you can lay hands on the old Lone Star Sourcebook, it is a fantastic book for understanding the business of law enforcement in the 6th world.  It is also a Findley masterpiece IMO.

Dunkie's Secrets is also a fun read.
The Aztlan Sourcebook as well.  If for nothing other then the shadowtalk at the back of the book.
Shadowbeat.
The Neo Anarchists's Guide to Real Life.