John Laumer était un auteur américain de science-fiction dont les œuvres exploraient souvent les thèmes du protagoniste solitaire, du sacrifice et de la transcendance, ou plongeaient dans la comédie satirique. Ses populaires séries Retief et Bolo, cette dernière narrant l'évolution de machines de guerre conscientes d'elles-mêmes, reflètent une vision cynique de la bureaucratie, tirée de sa précédente carrière dans le service diplomatique. Malgré des problèmes de santé qui ont temporairement interrompu son écriture, Laumer est revenu à la création, bien que ses œuvres ultérieures aient parfois revisité des motifs antérieurs. Son influence sur le genre perdure, d'autres auteurs continuant à développer son univers Bolo.
Commander Greylorn faces a daunting challenge as he seeks to locate a lost colony to secure its assistance for Earth. Amidst this mission, he must navigate a treacherous mutiny on his own starship, adding layers of tension and danger to his quest. This tale is filled with interplanetary intrigue and adventure, highlighting the struggles of leadership and survival in the vastness of space.
Set against a backdrop of desperation, the narrative follows a commander facing dwindling resources and increasing casualties as his team embarks on a critical mission. Tasked with constructing a 50,000-ton scouting ship, they aim to explore the unknown Omega Colony, humanity's last colonial effort. The story delves into themes of survival, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of leadership in dire circumstances, as the crew grapples with the looming threat of failure and the weight of their mission.
A collection of Hugo and Nebula-nominated writer Keith Laumer's Retief novellas, as collected from Worlds of If Science Fiction and Fantastic magazines. The books are satirical science fiction written in the 1960s and based on Laumer's real-life experience in the U.S. Foreign Service
The Best of the Bolo Stories, Including Stories by David Weber, Mercedes Lackey, David Drake, S.M. Stirling and More.Military Science Fiction at Its Best.Controlled by their tireless electronic brains which were programmed to admit no possibility of defeat, the gigantic robot tanks known as Bolos were almost indestructible, and nearly unstoppable. Their artificial intelligences were designed to make them selflessly serve and protect humans throughout the galaxy and made each Bolo the epitome of the knight sans peur et sans reproche , and often far more noble than the humans who gave them their orders.Created by Keith Laumer, the saga of the Bolos has been extended by several of the best writers in science fiction. Now, the best stories of the saga are collected in one Omni-Trade volume, including work by New York Times best-selling writers David Weber , Mercedes Lackey and S. M. Stirling , military science fiction grand master David Drake , and Laumer himself, who recount the exploits of the dauntless Bolos in Their Finest Hour .
Armchair Fiction presents extra large paperback collections of the best in classic science fiction short stories. Science Fiction Gems, Vol. Five features works by Clifford D. Simak, John W. Jakes, Roger Dee, J. F. Bone, Alan E. Nourse, Harry Harrison, Keith Laumer, Daniel F. Galouye, Dallas Ross, Don Wilcox and others. Murder and mayhem exist even in the outskirts of space, whether it’s brought about by man—or by aliens. This is another fine collection of classic science fiction. It’s a guaranteed trip into worlds unknown and a future alive with the marvels of future science.
Set against the backdrop of the 29th Century's frontier worlds, the story delves into the thrilling escapades of interplanetary diplomat Retief. His unique approach to cosmic diplomacy often leads to unexpected challenges and interstellar crises, revealing the complexities of human and non-human interactions. As the first collection of Retief's adventures, it promises readers a captivating blend of astounding and weird science fiction, showcasing the high-stakes diplomacy that defines his character and the universe he navigates.
In a future where humanity faces extinction, a team embarks on a perilous journey to find a new home among the stars. The narrative explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit as the crew confronts both external dangers and internal conflicts. As they navigate the vastness of space, they must grapple with their hopes and fears, ultimately questioning what it means to be human in the face of overwhelming odds. This thrilling adventure combines science fiction with deep emotional undercurrents.
American diplomat Brion Bayard is on assignment in Stockholm when he notices he's being shadowed. Before he can escape, Bayard is kidnapped and transported to a parallel universe: the Imperium, where history has taken a different turn and the British Empire and its allies rule the world. Yet another parallel world exists, and the Imperium has a task there for their reluctant visitor: the impersonation and assassination of a global dictator who happens to be Bayard's otherworldly double
Bolo Officer Donal Ragnor's tendency to talk back to brass had gotten him assigned to the backwater colony worlds on the edge of the galaxy. And his new superior regarded him as useless, since there was no enemy to worry about--or so they thought.
Chronicles the history of the BOLO, a futuristic man-made machine that symbolizes brute force, defiance, and rigid will and is responsible for defending humanity against an invading alien group. Original.
