War Of The Wing-Men by Poul Anderson (book review).
Poul Anderson first published ‘War of the Wing Men’ in 1958. This is also the first of seven books he wrote about the Polesotechnic League and its famous trader, Nicholas van Rijn. I’ve read two of his later novels, ‘Trader To The Stars’ and ‘Satan’s World’, but I didn’t realize this was the first until I did some research. Van Rijn is a fantastic character with an unconventional voice pattern that is truly over the top. Van Rijn is undoubtedly a rebellious individual, yet he is not a manipulator. Well, unless he wants a good deal. He runs his own company, the Solar Spice and Liquors Company, from the front, although not beyond employing others along the way. He usually keeps his true intentions hidden. No profit in it, ja?
Van Rijn, the new outpost governor Eric Wace, and the wealthy Lady Sandra Tamarin have crashlanded on Diomedes (whose native name is actually Ikt’hanis), a long way from the human outpost. However, Drak’ho, the enemies of the Lannach’honai, who are closer to their outpost, come to their rescue. Although the Eart’a aren’t considered combatants, their supplies are only sufficient for six months due to the poisonous native food and the extended travel time to the outpost. See how quickly you adapt to some of the nouns. A sign of a competent author.
We also witness the Drak’ho engaging in self-defence against their adversary, the Lannach’honai. Van Rijn also teaches them how to craft more effective weapons and how to engage in ground combat.
Without going too far, this book isn’t all about the war, but about gaining peace. In that order, thank St. Dismas, Nicholas van Rijn’s favorite penitent thief, for finding a way to get the warring races to negotiate a peace that is in all their interests.
When it comes to world-building, Poul Anderson is up there with Hal Clement, both in terms of terrain and the people who inhabit it. Even back in the day, SF authors were prone to making their lead characters scientists, police officers, or adventurers; Anderson took the unusual twist of going for a trader. I can’t recall anything since George RR Martin’s ‘Tuf Voyaging’, which shows how much of a mark Anderson made. If you’re going to learn from the masters, then don’t neglect this author.
GF Willmetts
September 2024
(pub: Sphere Science Fiction, 1976. 160 page paperback. Price: varies)
