Gambler's World

"Gambler's World" by Keith Laumer is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story centers on a group of diplomats on a strange planet navigating cultural complexities, political intrigue, and a brewing revolution. With a backdrop of gambling metaphors and sharp wit, Laumer explores themes of loyalty, self-interest, and the unpredictability of fate. The narrative follows the protagonist, Retief, as he engages with the local Nenni caste and encounters an impending coup led by a faction known as the People's Anti-Fascist Freedom League (PAFFL). Amidst a diplomatic gathering, he learns of their plot to assassinate the Corps diplomats. Retief, with the help of a grateful servant named Illy, maneuvers through dangerous situations, ultimately confronting the revolution's leader, Zorn. He skillfully navigates the treacherous waters of power games, leveraging wit and strategy to avert bloodshed while ensuring a balance of power on the planet. The story comes to a conclusion as Retief ingeniously transforms a potential disaster into a favorable diplomatic outcome, leaving the reader to ponder the complexities of political affairs and the twists of chance. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Keith Laumer was an American science fiction author. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, he was an officer in the United States Air Force and a diplomat in the United States Foreign Service. His older brother March Laumer was also a writer, known for his adult reinterpretations of the Land of Oz. Frank Laumer, their youngest brother, is a historian and writer.