The objective of the mission from to stop the ruthless Barjarnum of Beaujolais from expanding his empire on the Big Planet...and prevent the world from falling under this tyrant's domination. Then sabotage forces the craft to crash land, and the survivors face an epic 40,000-mile trek across the dangerous landscape. A SF landmark. "One of the finest writers the science fiction field has ever known."—Poul Anderson. "Vividly compelling...Vance at the top of his form."—Damon Knight.

Two deadly rivals fight a battle of wits along the treacherous waterways of an alien world. In Showboat World, Jack Vance returns to the exotic and fantastic Big Planet, a world colonised by criminals and outcasts. Apollon Zamp is adept at dodging the dangers of sailing a showboat from port to perilous port along the Vissel River. And his labours aren't helped by his archrival, Garth Ashgale, constantly threatening to undermine Zamp's plans. But their rivalry reaches boiling point when Zamp sets out to compete at the Grand Festival at Nornune, with a menacing Ashgale not far behind. "One of the finest writers the science fiction field has ever known" Poul Anderson