Enjoyed it! This I believe was the first of a series of stories of the Polesotechnic League and introduced the flamboyant character of Nicholas Van Rijn. The story moves nicely with the human-heroes trying to get back to an area of safety (because the food on this world is poisonous.) In order to pull this off they have to work with two waring factions on the planet. Along the way you learn all about the culture and the world these factions live on. There is also a extra lesson on leadership supplied at the end. What I enjoyed the most was Anderson's "World Building." Which was Wonderfully imaginative, clever and consistent. ( )

Van Rijn's winged war.

This is published under three titles - The Man Who Counts, The War of the Wing-Men and The Earth Book Of Stormgate 2.

A spot of sabotage means NVR, one of his engineers, and a noblewoman passenger are downed on a planet that has flying, bat-winged natives.

For them to get back alive they have to survive a war, and Van Rijn's insight suggests that to do that means taking a side and winning it.

So, a few ideas later it is time to upgrade the local military technology and teach them something about ground-based fighting, given they are used to flying around all the time.

Leadership theory and practice, if you like.

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2008/09... ( )

Van Rijn's winged war.

This is published under three titles - The Man Who Counts, The War of the Wing-Men and The Earth Book Of Stormgate 2.

A spot of sabotage means NVR, one of his engineers, and a noblewoman passenger are downed on a planet that has flying, bat-winged natives.

For them to get back alive they have to survive a war, and Van Rijn's insight suggests that to do that means taking a side and winning it.

So, a few ideas later it is time to upgrade the local military technology and teach them something about ground-based fighting, given they are used to flying around all the time.

Leadership theory and practice, if you like.

http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2008/09... ( )