Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collections
Publication
Pocket (1981), Paperback
Description
Against a raging backdrop of interplanetary intrigue. This time the resourceful officer of the Corps Diplomatique Terrestrienne must deal with horrors unknown as he hunts the universe for a stolen ballet theatre.The courageous Terran must fight the five-eyed Groaci, outwit the ferocious Tsuggs, and reason with the talking flowers he finds in the midst of his dangerous mission.But in spite of all this, in the face of the vagaries of alien plots and the wild ambitions of his superiors, Retief remains strong and unshakable - and in peaceful and just control of the galaxy
User reviews
LibraryThing member iftyzaidi
The third Retief book I've read. These are mostly collections of short stories about Retief, a member of a bureaucratic, bumbling diplomatic corps of a future Terran empire. They're light reading but hugely entertaining. Each book (in fact each short story) is essentially stand alone and one
1) Ballots and Bandits: 4/5
The CDT is overseeing elections and the transition to self-rule in a former Groaci colony. This involves finding an amenable strongman to take charge so that the planet can remain on friendly terms with the Terran Concordiat. Retief’s involvement ensures true independence. Great satire and some not-so-veiled allusions to the Congo crisis.
2) Mechanical Advantage: 4/5
An archaeological expedition of CDT diplomats goes awry when the Groaci show up looking for loot. Retief discovers that while the original inhabitants of the planet are now extinct, their Robot servitors are still around.
3) Pime Doesn’t Cray: 3/5
The Terran Concordiat and the Groaci empire vie for influence in non-aligned worlds by building cultural centres (either Bolshoi ballets or Fenway Ballparks) as gifts to the locals. But on one planet a nefarious Groaci plot threatens Terran humiliation... until Retief comes along. The aliens’ manner of speech is irritating to read and it almost ruins what is at essence another hilarious caper.
4) Internal Affair: 3/5
Retief and his hapless superior, First Secretary Magnan are sent into the unknown to find a missing ambassador to a world inhabited by giant slugs.
5) The Piecemakers: 3/5
Two fleets are close to war over a newly discovered planet. First Secretary Magnan is sent to broker a diplomatic compromise and manages to turn both against humanity. Luckily Retief is along to salvage matters.
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doesn't have to read them in any kind of order.1) Ballots and Bandits: 4/5
The CDT is overseeing elections and the transition to self-rule in a former Groaci colony. This involves finding an amenable strongman to take charge so that the planet can remain on friendly terms with the Terran Concordiat. Retief’s involvement ensures true independence. Great satire and some not-so-veiled allusions to the Congo crisis.
2) Mechanical Advantage: 4/5
An archaeological expedition of CDT diplomats goes awry when the Groaci show up looking for loot. Retief discovers that while the original inhabitants of the planet are now extinct, their Robot servitors are still around.
3) Pime Doesn’t Cray: 3/5
The Terran Concordiat and the Groaci empire vie for influence in non-aligned worlds by building cultural centres (either Bolshoi ballets or Fenway Ballparks) as gifts to the locals. But on one planet a nefarious Groaci plot threatens Terran humiliation... until Retief comes along. The aliens’ manner of speech is irritating to read and it almost ruins what is at essence another hilarious caper.
4) Internal Affair: 3/5
Retief and his hapless superior, First Secretary Magnan are sent into the unknown to find a missing ambassador to a world inhabited by giant slugs.
5) The Piecemakers: 3/5
Two fleets are close to war over a newly discovered planet. First Secretary Magnan is sent to broker a diplomatic compromise and manages to turn both against humanity. Luckily Retief is along to salvage matters.
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LibraryThing member sgarnell
Probably some of the funniest work by Laumer. He is an unsung hero of humor SF.
Language
Original publication date
1985 (collection)
Physical description
172 p.; 6.9 inches
ISBN
0671434063 / 9780671434069
Local notes
Retief, 6
DDC/MDS
| Fic SF Laumer |