Stranded around the distant planet Tschai, young Adam Reith is the single survivor of an area mission who discovers the world is normally inhabited-not only by warring alien cultures but by human slaves aswell, taken early in Earth’s history. Reith must discover a way off the planet to warn Globe of Tschai’s lethal existence.

Against a backdrop of baroque cities and haunted wastelands, sumptuous palaces and riotous inns, Reith will encounter deadly wastrels and murderous aliens, dastardly villains and conniving scoundrels-and always the random beauty in need of rescue.

“Unique adventure, dastardly villains, beautiful women, baroque landscapes, every served up with the inimitable, incomparable Vance style and wit: dazzlingly inventive, utterly delightful, and absolutely, unequivocally essential to any kind of collection.”-Kirkus Reviews