This is a fascinating science fiction novel about Rod McBan, a wealthy kid from the most prosperous planet in the galaxy, Norstrilia. He buys earth without even realizing what he has done. It is a fun, imaginative, and fast-paced novel, a must-read for science fiction fans.

A boy considered to be defective may be executed to avoid overpopulation on his planet. He uses an ancient computer to come up with a plan to become wealthy, then uses the wealth to buy planet Earth.

When a young boy in search of joy asks the Earth where he can find happiness, the Earth responds and agrees to show him the way. The boy rushes excitedly through the landscapes that make the Earth most proud--the ocean, the cliffs, the forest, the desert, the mountains, and the top of the world. But the boy soon realizes happiness is much harder to find than he expected.

Linebarger plunges us instantly into his fantasy reality, far in the future, when life as we know it is all but forgotten. He introduces us to three characters around whom the story will unfold: the gambler Sun-Boy; a girl, Santuna; Lord Sto Obin, who knew what was going to happen but did nothing to prevent it.

When his ultra-logical computer tells him that to survive he must become the richest man in the universe, Rod McBan the hundred and fifty-first thought he had a good plan. A telepathic cripple, rejected by many of his people, owner of the Station of Doom, the safety of wealth would keep him safe. In one crowded, unbelievable night he achieved the impossible, became the richest boy in the galaxy. But Rod McBan will soon discover that money brings trouble. A galaxy of people and other beings - out to rob him, use him or kill him!

The telepathic powers and super intelligence of a fourteen-year-old boy from a friendly alien planet are instrumental in saving earth from invasion by evil aliens.

This critical work concentrates on the science fiction writings of Paul Linebarger, who wrote under the pseudonym Cordwainer Smith, as well as other pseudonyms he created to reflect his different writing styles. His writings give voice to concerns about humanity and personal struggle; his ideas about love, loss, alienation, and psychic pain continue to resonate today. This work begins with a brief biographical sketch of Cordwainer Smith, linking elements of his past to his writing and focusing on his contributions to science fiction as well as his concern with humanity. Also discussed are Smith's published and unpublished novel-length non-science fiction, his revision process, the true man-underpeople dichotomy in his published and unpublished short fiction, and his only published novel-length science fiction work Norstrilia.

Includes Part 1, Number 2: Books and Pamphlets, Including Serials and Contributions to Periodicals July - December)