Status Updates From The Moon Moth and Other Sto...

The Men Return
Perhaps this one is a flavour of what people seem to love about The Dying Earth , but I found it to be almost entirely impenetrable. It's set in a world where cause and effect have seemingly broken down and we're following a creature called a 'Relict' who is navigating bizarre landscapes and interacting with other 'organisms'. Vance is either a genius or he was smoking crack.

The Moon Moth
A representative from Earth's government is sent to the distant planet of Sirene to track down a notorious criminal. This endeavour proves difficult since all of the Sirenese people wear masks, which are widely varied in line with their social status. Not only that, but this culture communicate through song, using a range of unusual instruments to intimate tone. A really compelling story.

The World Between
When human explorers arrive on a barren world in an distant solar system to terraform it, the neighbouring alien race claim ownership over it and threaten to start a war if they do not leave. A stubborn mission leader calls their bluff, inciting a battle fought through ecological means. Vance explores interstellar conflict through a unique lens here, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

I seem to have missed out on this ‘pulp SciFi’. So as a GR friend seemed to suggest it might not be to my taste I’ll take that as a challenge and give it a go. One of several ‘Best of’ compilations of this author’s work.