The Five Gold Bands (1953)

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Samuel Langtry stumbles on the secret of interstellar propulsion, and his offspring follow strands of humanity which leave Earth for far planets. Many generations later, earthly man is regarded as a less-developed subspecies of the race, after distant populations mutate and evolve on new worlds. Langtry's successors tyrannize people of Earth by rationing access to the drive technology, limiting freedom and access to resources. Paddy Blackthorn is a proud Irish brawler, a spirited outlaw affronted by the humiliation of his race-not averse to making a fortune for himself The Sons of Langtry carry bands of gold bearing information about the design, and these Paddy determines to steal, if it costs his life.He would not survive long without the cool wits and intelligence of dark-haired Fay Bursill, special Earth Agent. From planet to planet, Paddy and Fay seek the design, evading capture, and torture in the hideous Koton nerve-suits.On planet Koto, their luck runs out.The Rapparee was first published in 1950 as The Five Gold Bands, and in 1953 as The Space Pirate.The Rapparee is Volume 3 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 Each book bears a facsimile of theauthor's signature and a previously-unpublished photograph, chosen from family archives for the period the book was written.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