Book description
Back under the thumb of the Terran Empire after leading their planetary
sector in an almost successful war against Imperial rule, Commissioner
Desai saw real trouble brewing this time. A strange, fanatical movement
was spreading like wildfire: there were rumours of the return of the
fabled Elder Race: the Firstling, leader-elect of the planet, was on the
run and hiding from Imperialist retribution. And off-planet agents from
the Ythrian Domain and Mersia, Terra's ancient foe, were abroad in the
land. Unless Commissioner Desai could damp the fuse of rebellion, the
universe would begin its terrifying descent into the Long Night . . .
Poul Anderson (1926-2001) was born in Pennsylvania of Scandinavian
stock. He started publishing science fiction in 1947 and became one the
great figures in the genre, serving as President of the Science Fiction
Writers of America, winning multiple Hugo and Nebula awards, and was
named a SFWA Grand Master. He collaborated regularly with wife, Karen,
and their daughter is married to noted SF writer Greg Bear. Poul
Anderson died in July 2001.
