Donald Barr (1) (1921–2004)

Back of book excerpt follows. A rather quirky book. While pretty nonstop action was one of the few books of the period that did not have cardboard characters (characters not just madly running about madly for no reason other than to make book have action; no deus ex machina). Like previous reviewer, I think this one still has an appeal on re-reading today.

From back of book: "Rip-roaring space romp ... A joyous dream -- Fantasy and Science Fiction magazine

ON A DISTANT PLANET
IN THE DISTANT FUTURE

When all the galaxies are colonized, John Craig, a young space diplomat, is captured by interplanetary pirates and sold into slavery.

On Kossar, where boredom and absolute power have driven the rulers to a special kind of madness, Craig is auctioned off to the exquisite Lady Morgan Sidney, a beautiful, sensual woman. He soon makes his way from the hellish slave mines into her bed in the tower of her castle. And it is here, under the strange castle, that he finds the secret that may bring about the end of man in the galaxy.

SPACE RELATIONS--a bizarre, fascinating tale of a Feudal Age of the Future"

… (mais)