Relatives of mankind, the benevolent Lekthwan come to Earth, sharing knowledge and superior technology.

Headstrong Roy Barch feels pangs of inferiority-particularly in the intellectual company of golden-skinned Komeitk Lelianr.

The brutish Klau follow the Lekthwan to Earth. Taken slave, Roy and Lelianr are transported to the hellish, massively-industrialized planet Magarak. Lelianr accepts her fate, but Roy rebels-risking life and limb to strike the Klau and win back to Earth.

Published in 1952 as Planet of the Damned, again in 1958 as Slaves of the Klau, Gold and Iron is Jack Vance's most under-appreciated novel, a gritty tale of spirit and determination prevailing against intimidating odds.

Gold and Iron is Volume 9 of the Spatterlight Press Signature Series.Released in the centenary of the author's birth, this handsome new collectionis based upon the prestigious Vance Integral Edition. Select volumes enjoyup-to-date maps, and many are graced with freshly-written forewords contributedby a distinguished group of authors. Each book bears a facsimile of theauthor's signature and a previously-unpublished photograph, chosen from family archives for the period the book was written. These uniquefeatures will be appreciated by all, from seasoned Vance collector to new reader sampling the spectrum of this author's influential work forthe first time. - John Vance II