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!

Lone Star Planet presents a nuanced exploration of speculative political narratives, where H. Beam Piper and John Joseph McGuire dive into intriguing visions of governance and diplomacy within a universe that mirrors, yet uniquely diverges from, our own societal structures. This anthology embodies a rich spectrum of literary craftsmanship, positioning itself squarely within the golden age of science fiction. Its stories, marked by their imaginative breadth and depth, delve into themes of autonomy, rebellion, and the intricate dance between power and responsibility, offering readers a highly engaging blend of speculative thought experiments and interstellar intrigue. The authors, both pivotal figures in mid-20th century science fiction, bring together a wealth of experience and insight into the genre. Piper, known for his detailed world-building and exploration of sociopolitical themes, alongside McGuires knack for nuanced narratives, provides a compelling backdrop against which the themes of Lone Star Planet are cast. The anthology resonates with the period's burgeoning interest in exploring alternative political systems through the prism of science fiction, adding layers of complexity and relevance to its speculative worlds. Lone Star Planet is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of political theory and science fiction. The anthology offers a unique opportunity to engage with the speculative visions of two master storytellers, whose collective works serve as a bridge between classic sci-fi sensibilities and the genres evolving discourse on governance and societal organization. This collection is not only an educational journey through alternate political landscapes but also a testament to the enduring power of science fiction to challenge, entertain, and inspire readers with its visionary insights.

John Joseph McGuire was an American author of science fiction. He usually wrote with H. Beam Piper.

"Lone Star Planet" is a science fiction novel written by H. Beam Piper. The book, also known by its alternate title "A Planet for Texans," was first published in 1957. H. Beam Piper was an American science fiction author known for his contributions to the genre during the mid-20th century. "Lone Star Planet" is a satirical and humorous science fiction novel set on a distant planet called New Texas. The story revolves around the protagonist, Stephen Silk, who is assigned as the ambassador to New Texas. The planet is populated by rugged and eccentric individuals who are fiercely independent and uphold their own brand of justice. The novel blends elements of science fiction with political satire, exploring themes of governance, individualism, and the clash of cultures. H. Beam Piper's wit and storytelling style make "Lone Star Planet" an entertaining read for fans of classic science fiction.

"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. "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."

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...

The Statehouse appeared to cover about a square mile of ground and it was an insane jumble of buildings piled beside and on top of one another, as though it had been in continuous construction ever since the planet was colonized, eighty-odd years before. At what looked like one of the main entrances, the car stopped. I told our Marine driver and auto-rifleman to park the car and take in the barbecue, but to leave word with the doorman where they could be found. Hoddy, Thrombley and I then went in, to be met by a couple of New Texas Rangers, one of them the officer who had called at the Embassy. They guided us to the office of the Secretary of State. "We're dreadfully late," Thrombley was fretting. "I do hope we haven't kept the Secretary waiting too long." From the looks of him, I was afraid we had. He jumped up from his desk and hurried across the room as soon as the receptionist opened the door for us, his hand extended....

Four-Day Planet by H. Beam Piper andLone Star Planet by H. Beam Piper andJohn J. McGuire

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! Henry Beam Piper was an American science fiction author best known for his extensive Terro-Human Future History series of stories and a shorter series of Paratime alternate history tales.