The Dying Earth Omnibus includes some of Vance's most influential work, including "Mazirian the Magician" (originally published as "The Dying Earth", a collection of six short stories "Turjan of Miir", "Mazirian the Magician", "T'sais", "Liane the Wayfarer", "Ulan Dhor Ends a Dream", and "Guyal of Sfere"), "Cugel the Clever" ("Eyes of the Overworld"), "Rhialto the Marvellous" (containing three short stories "The Murthe", "Fader's Waft", and "Morreion"), and "Cugel: the Skybreak Spatterligh...

Time and technology will change the role of the modern literary private investigator. Rather than don a trench coat, engage in snooping, interrogation, prying, and producing disheartening snapshots, detectives of the future will by necessity command stealth and a variety of arcane techniques to satisfy their stingy and demanding clients, who seek results over interstellar distances.Miro Hetzel is a special breed of investigator—an Effectuator, one who goes beyond mere fact-finding ...

For centuries the breathtakingly beautiful planet Cadwal has been held in trust by a centuries-old Charter of Conservancy, created by the now-defunct Naturalist Society on Old Earth.Over time, restrictions on population expansion written into the Charter have become irksome to some who live on Cadwal—those who would take the unexploited wealth of Cadwal for themselves, also those forced to leave the planet to keep population in check.Glawen Clattuc grows to manhood within t...

The four Planet of Adventure volumes chronicle Adam Reith's saga on the planet Tschai, under the amber glow of the star Carina 4269. Reith is a Terran first-in scout stranded on a planet which he learns is now occupied, after an ancient struggle which has come to a standstill, by three technically advanced cultures who now guardedly share the surface while the original inhabitants- the mysterious Pnume- dwell in subterranean depths. On Tschai, Reith discovers to his surprise (and disgust) ...

In a far-off future, criminals have the freedom to pursue their most violent passions among the civilized worlds of the Oikumene, assured that justice cannot follow when they escape into the lawless Beyond—a vast playground where the most elusive and monomaniacal murderers, thieves, and slavers can conquer a world of their own, play out complex fantasies of bloodlust, pursue revenge and immortality over generations, give themselves to a psychotic world of self-absorption, and devalue their...

Each major advance in the technology of communication or transportation has brought profound transformations and dislocations to human society. Three of science fiction's greatest authors--Larry Niven, Jack Vance, John Brunner--explore what would happen if teleportation were invented.Suppose it were possible, technologically and economically, to transport oneself to any point on the earth's surface in virtually instantaneous travel? Let us have trips in time as well as in space... ...

Wilbur Murphy sought romance, excitement, and an impossible Horseman of Space. With polite smiles, the planet frustrated him at every turn—until he found them all the hard way!

De Lekthwans, een van de talrijke mensachtige rassen die de melkweg bevolken, hebben handelsposten opgericht op de Aarde en delen bereidwillig hun superieure wetenschap en technologie met de Aardbewoners. In vergelijking met Lekthwa is de Aarde nog maar net het barbarendom ontstegen en alle menselijke kennis is ofwel achterhaald of verouderd. Daar heeft de koppige Roy Barch het moeilijk mee. In dienst van Markel, de handelscommissaris van Lekthwa in Californië, worstelt Barch met een minde...

Zeshonderd jaar geleden werd Grote Planeet ontdekt: een enorme bewoonbare wereld met een omtrek van drie keer die van de Aarde, maar met vergelijkbare massa en zwaartekracht dankzij het ontbreken van metalen en zware elementen in haar samenstelling. Er volgde een exodus: alle minderheden, cultussen en fanatici die zich door de Aardse samenleving gehinderd, beperkt of buitengesloten voelden, emigreerden naar Grote Planeet. Op de weidse landmassa's stichtten ze er hun eigen gemeenschappen di...

Wicked King Casmir cannot control Madouc, the wild and willful changeling secretly switched at birth with Prince Dhrun, rightful heir to the throne. So Casmir ordains a quest: whosoever brings him the Holy Grail will have Madouc for his bride. But the fairy-born princess chooses to decide her own fate, and sets out with a stable boy to find the grail herself. Meanwhile, a spiteful wizard seeks to undo the spell that prevents the war-torn Elder Isles from sinking into the sea.The third volu...

"Sjambak" is a science fiction tale set in a distant future where interstellar travel is commonplace. The story follows the protagonist, Steve Cornell, a former space pilot turned smuggler, who is hired to transport a mysterious cargo known as "sjambak" to a remote planet. Despite knowing little about the cargo or its intended destination, Cornell accepts the job, lured by the promise of a hefty payday.As Cornell embarks on his journey across the galaxy, he encounters a series of challenge...

The Men Return by Jack Vance is a captivating science fiction novel that continues Vance’s tradition of imaginative storytelling and intricate world-building. Set in a richly detailed future, the story explores themes of civilization, power, and human nature through a blend of speculative intrigue and vivid characterization.The novel follows a group of characters as they navigate a complex and evolving society, facing challenges that test their resolve and morality...