Retief is a low
level diplomatic attache'', a member of the peacemaking delegation to Furtheron, a hellhole of a planet in a continual state of warfare. His friend, Ben Magnan, is the Ambassador. Since the beginning of time, or a few months ago (the same
thing to the local inhabitants), the Hither Furtherons and the Nether Furtherons have been at war, killing each other cheerfully for recreation, greater glory, territory, and (among the more backward and primitive Furtherons, at least) food. The Terran Council says it has so stop--period--or the highest level Ambassador''s career is TOAST--over, done-with, complete and in Hell (though a worse one than Furtheron beggars the imagination).
In the midst of this chaos, Retief steps like a breath of fresh air in an exploding coal mine. He does nothing by the book, unless it suits his purposes and the situation; and the characters he has to deal with take it, kicking and screaming, or quietly, admiring what THEY''VE done (obviously), or playing him for a sucker (like the OTHER Terries), and getting themselves taken in the end (you can''t cheat an honest man...).
How this all happens and why is a mystery one can ponder on after this delightfully funny, absolutely absurd and yet full-of-good-common-sense
book takes you on the action-packed ride of a lifetime.
good Luck! (And never mistake the hype for the REAL THING!)
More reviews about the Retief to the Rescue