Intro to the Warhammer 40,000 universe via literature

[Take_Opal]

I bought Dan Abnett's The Founding omnibus I'm currently reading Gaunt's Ghost. I'm really liking it, it's really my intro to the Warhammer 40K universe. It talks a lot about Sabbat Worlds, Vitrians, Terrians, Psykers and some vague Chaos stuff.*

But I want the big picture. What is a good intro to the WH40K lore?*Because I think I'm really only jumping into the story of one small group, which is true.

[Sasasing]

Horus rising, best thing you can start with.

[Killoch0]

The Ultramarines series is also really good.

[thrawn2787]

I second Horus Rising and the next 3 or 4 books, you understand the Heresy and why the Emperor is their god

Also there is a W40k subforum in the hobbies section

[DeVotchKa]

Horus Rising is good, like others have said. After that, you should read "The Last Chancers" Excellent book on the 13th Penal Imperial Guard Legion

[sp00ks]

The Horus Heresy series.

[Take_Opal]

Cool, whenever I am done I'll pick up Horus Rising. Thanks a lot.

[mookie]

The HH series, Gaunt's Ghosts, Eisenhorn and Ravenor omnibuses. Heck, get Collected Visions for more background stories and art.

[Commando123]

Gaunt's Ghost's is amazing series. I am read the founding and I am halfway through the saint. Pick up Eisenhorn and Ravenor as well.