This is classic Vance: a carefully thought-out alien world, a stratified society, a man in conflict with its rules, and a crucial struggle for liberty against a seemingly unbeatable enemy. "One of the finest writers the science fiction field has ever known.""--Poul Anderson "An unusual, well-developed setting and situation."" --Analog "Jack Vance is one of the best writers producing sf and The Blue World is a showcase of his virtues.""--Speculative Bulletin