Earth Made Of Glass [Paperback]

In a sequel to A Million Open Doors, John Barnes writes another novel in the universe of the Thousand Cultures. Humanity dwells in colonies (some natural and some artificial) spread over hundreds of planets that lost touch with each other for more than a thousand years. Due to the invention of the springer, an instantaneous teleportation device, the worlds are communicating again. But after centuries of isolation, reunification results in intense cultural and economic stress.

Giraut and Margaret, characters from the earlier book, are now a husband and wife diplomatic team for the Council of Humanity. They also do clandestine work for the Office of Special Projects, an undercover organisation that deals with serious problems that result when local governments prove intractable. Their next assignment: promote peace and co-operation on Briand, a hellish planet whose physical hostility is matched only by the hatred its two cultures show to each other.

Tamil Mandalam was founded by classical Tamils, and Kintulum was founded by classical Mayans. Tamils believe themselves to be perfect and believe that once the springer does open Briand to humanity, they will show the rest of the universe how to live. The Mayans, when they communicate at all, apparently feel the same way. The magnificence of each culture's accomplishments in art and literature is overshadowed by citizens' bigotry.

A difficult assignment indeed; as if high gravity, high temperatures and ethnic attacks weren't enough, Giraut and Margaret's mission grows even more troublesome because of their marital problems, Margaret's depression and the bureaucratic thick-headedness of Briand's Ambassador. --Bonnie Bouman

"A masterful job."--"Publishers Weekly"
"First-rate!"--"Library Journal"
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Epic science fiction from a US bestseller - sequel to the Nebula Award Nominee A MILLION OPEN DOORS

At the furthest reaches of the galaxy exist the Thousand Cultures, societies scattered across 31 inhabited worlds in 25 star systems. Divided into linked complexes the vast distances between worlds are travelled quickly and cheaply. The Inner Complex - which includes Earth - has been able to exert control over the Thousand Cultures because it contains 90% of all human population and because all traffic must pass through it. But humanity is expanding and the complexes are beginning to fight over access to the frontier worlds. There will be flashpoints just like there always have been when cultures collide in the search for the space to live as they wish. Giraut and Margaret are posted to the frontline - Quidde, base of Chaka Home: a culture based on a Millennialist black American sect claiming spiritual descent from Chaka Zulu's army. But they aren't the only culture on Quidde and history looks very much like repeating itself as three factions engage in a struggle that echoes the bloody twentieth century wars in Rwanda and Bosnia. Giraut and Margaret must hunt out the last vestiges of good in a corrupt world - or risk seeing humanity as we know it disappear forever.

John Barnes is assistant professor of theatre at Western State College, Colorado.