Gordon R. Dickson Libri

The Childe Cycle, also known as the Dorsai series, is Gordon R. Dickson's future history of humankind and its ultimate destiny. Now one of its central novels return to print in a two-volume corrected edition. In The Final Encyclopedia the human race is split into three Splinter cultures: the Friendlies, fanatic in their faith; the truth-seeking Exotics; and the warrior Dorsai. But now humanity is threatened by the power-hungry Others, whose triumph would end all human progress. Hal Mayne is an orphan who was raised by three tutors: an Exotic, a Friendly, and a Dorsai. He is the only human capable of uniting humanity against the Others. But only if he is willing to accept his terrifying destiny...as savior of mankind. A towering landmark of future history, The Final Encyclopedia is a novel every SF fan needs to own.

Alexander Jones, a representative of the Interbeing League for the teddy-bear-like Hoka species, finds his assignment challenging when the human-emulating Hokas are unable to discern Earth fact from fiction.

The Childe Cycle, also known as the Dorsai series, is Gordon R. Dickson's future history of humankind and its ultimate destiny. Now one of its central novels return to print in a two-volume corrected edition. In The Final Encyclopedia the human race is split into three Splinter cultures: the Friendlies, fanatic in their faith; the truth-seeking Exotics; and the warrior Dorsai. But now humanity is threatened by the power-hungry Others, whose triumph would end all human progress. Raised to a destiny as humanity's champion, Hal Mayne must journey deep within his soul to gather the strength he needs to face his ultimate opponent: Bleys Ahrens, the shadowy, powerful leader of the Others. On Hal's success depends nothing less than the future of the human race... A towering landmark of future history, The Final Encyclopedia is a novel every SF fan needs to own.

A classic of science fiction from SF legend Gordon R. Dickson, winner of three Hugo awards, a Nebula award, and an inductee into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. Humans and alien adversaries contend on a world whose inhabitants resemble bears both in appearance and in temperament. A BEAR OF A CHOICE! Planet Dilbia is in a crucial location for both humans and their adversaries, the Hemnoids. Therefore making friends with the Dilbians and establishing a human presence there is of the utmost importance, which may be a problem, since the bearlike Dilbians stand some nine feet tall, and have a high regard for physical prowess. They're not impressed by human technology, either. A real man, er, bear doesn't need machines to do his work for him. But Dilbians are impressed by sharp thinking, and some have expressed a grudging admiration for the logical (and usually sneaky) mental maneuvers that the human "shorties" have used to get themselves out of desperate jams. Just maybe that old human craftiness will win over the Dilbians to the human side. If not, humanity loses a nexus, and the Dilbians will learn just how unbearable Hemnoids can be! About Gordon R. Dickson: "Dickson is one of SF's standard-bearers."—Publishers Weekly "Dickson has a true mastery of pacing and fine understanding of human beings."—Seattle Post Intelligencer "A masterful science fiction writer."—Milwaukee Journal

A lone ship piloted by Dorsai Amanda Morgan runs the blockade of the Earth. She has come to rouse Hal Mayne from his research to go to Kultis, where the secretive Chantry Guild holds mastery over the Alternate Forces. The answers they find there may decide humanity's most critical moment.

Mankind has taken its first small step outward from Earth, leaving footprints on the Moon. The next step, potentially in the closing years of this century, will be the perilous leap to Mars. This narrative evokes that epic journey, highlighting the men and women who unite to make it possible amid rivalry, stubbornness, greed, and indifference. For the multinational crew of “marsnauts,” the challenges are clear: they must navigate the dangers of space and endure the difficult working conditions shaped by political tensions, all while fulfilling their duty and ensuring survival. Meanwhile, those left on Earth face more complex issues. Wendy Hansard, the commander’s wife, grapples with the emotional distance between her and her husband, fearing the lengths his dedication may push him to. Diplomatic observers from participating countries engage in their usual political maneuvers and discreet espionage, oblivious to the potential fallout. The local community around Cape Canaveral both profits from and resents the space effort, unknowingly entangled in the hidden intrigues that influence the mission. Undersecretary-for-Space Jens Wylie witnesses the slow emergence of disaster and must confront whether he has the courage to risk everything to avert it and secure humanity’s future in space. This grand narrative transcends conventional science fiction, emerging as a significant exploration of a future rooted in our present.

A collection of stories speculating on how human beings could dominate the galaxy, including "Call Him Lord," "The Odd Ones," "Danger, Human," and the title story.

One man is mentally linked to an alien who is spearheading an invasion of Earth; a group of soldiers fight to win new space for Earth; and a small group of men fight against a machine that controls all life.