H. Beam Piper's novels, 'Four Day Planet' & 'Lone Star Planet,' are classic works of science fiction that explore themes of colonization, politics, and social dynamics in a futuristic setting. Known for his concise yet vivid prose, Piper seamlessly blends action and world-building to create immersive narratives that captivate the reader. 'Four Day Planet' follows the inhabitants of Fenris, a harsh world with a four-day rotation, as they navigate political intrigue and economic struggles. On the other hand, 'Lone Star Planet' presents a satirical take on democracy and government corruption, set on the planet New Texas. Piper's attention to detail and world-building skills make both novels a must-read for fans of the science fiction genre. As an author who drew inspiration from historical events and societal issues, Piper's works provide thought-provoking commentary on human nature and the consequences of colonization. Whether you are a seasoned sci-fi enthusiast or new to the genre, 'Four Day Planet' & 'Lone Star Planet' are sure to engage and entertain.

"Lone Star Planet" is set on New Texas, where everything from cows to nuts is prefixed. Silk, the unwilling, banished replacement for the Solar League's former ambassador, must solve the murder and stave off an anticipated invasion by the Srauff, a canine alien race, while preventing his own assassination on a planet where the killing of politicians is acceptable, if they "had it coming." "Four-Day Planet" is set on a planet called Fenris, where extremes in climate have resulted in an extremely small population with very few off-world contacts. The protagonist is a 17-year-old reporter who fights to overturn the corrupt 'government' and coercive mercantilist monopoly on 'tallow-wax', the sole export from Fenris.

I went through the gateway, towing my equipment in a contragravity hamper over my head. As usual, I was wondering what it would take, short of a revolution, to get the city of Port Sandor as clean and tidy and well lighted as the spaceport area. I knew Dad's editorials and my sarcastic news stories wouldn't do it. We'd been trying long enough. The two girls in bikinis in front of me pushed on, still gabbling about the fight one of them had had with her boy friend, and I closed up behind the half dozen monster-hunters in long trousers, ankle boots and short boat-jackets, with big knives on their belts. They must have all been from the same crew, because they weren't arguing about whose ship was fastest, had the toughest skipper, and made the most money. They were talking about the price of tallow-wax, and they seemed to have picked up a rumor that it was going to be cut another ten centisols a pound. I eavesdropped shamelessly, but it was the same rumor I'd picked up, myself, a little earlier...

New Texas: its citizens figure that name about says it all. The Solar League ambassador to the Lone Star Planet has the unenviable task of convincing New Texans that a s'Srauff attack is imminent, and dangerous. Unfortunately it's common knowledge that the s'Srauff are evolved from canine ancestors -- and not a Texan alive is about to be scared of a talking dog! But unless he can get them to act, and fast, there won't be a Texan alive, scared or otherwise!

Four-day planet. Fenris isn't a hell planet, but with 2,000-hour days it alternates blazing heat and killing cold. It breeds a tough person, but when that person is being cheated on his wealth, the planet is ripe for revolution.

H. Beam Piper is one of science fiction's most enigmatic writers. In 1946 Piper appeared seemingly from out of nowhere, already at the top of his form. He published a number of memorable short stories in the premier science fiction magazine of the time, Astounding Science Fiction, under legendary editor John W. Campbell. Piper quickly became friends with many of the top writers of the day, including Lester Del Rey, Fletcher Pratt, Robert Heinlein and L. Sprague de Camp. Piper also successfully made the turn from promising short story writer to major novelist, authoring Four-Day Planet, Cosmic Computer, Lord Kalvan of Otherwhen and Little Fuzzy, which was nominated for a Hugo award. Even those who counted Piper among their friends knew very little about the man or his life as a railroad yard bull in Altoona, Pennsylvania. This biography illuminates H. Beam Piper, both the writer and the man, and answers lingering questions about his death. Appendices include a number of Piper's personal papers, a complete bibliography of Piper's works, and an essay on Piper's Terro-Human Future History series.

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