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Classic science fiction from one of the great authors is a refreshing read with most current writers writing either about the end of the world or writing fantasy. This is two books in one. In the first, Earth has entered into space flight and met with more developed species and Earth has become the source of mercenaries. One group is trapped on a far planet by treachery from some in the central government. They must escape and meet many interesting species in their escape. The other book occurs further in the future where the whereabouts of Terra are unknown. A group of space rangers are trapped on an unknown planet and are confronted by humans, some who were also shipwrecked but others native to the planet. What surprises me is that Norton uses some of theories expressed by Ibn Kaldun who believed states become more civilized then collapse and are replaced by barbarians and the cycle starts again. Great reading. This is the author who first hooked me on science fiction.