- Published: 1982
- Hugo Award for Best Novel, 1983 —
- Nebula Award for Best Novel, 1983 —
- Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel, 1983 —
- World Fantasy Award—Novel, 1983 —
Severian, the disgraced apprentice torturer, has reached his place of exile - Thrax, the city of Windowless Rooms, where he must take up his post as Lictor, executioner and torturer. However, he flees the city and heads into the mountains, to meet the mysterious Dr Talos.