Book review: Poul Anderson -- The High Crusade

[julesjones]

In the year 1345, an alien spacecraft lands in the small English village of Ansby, expecting an easy defeat of the local primitives. Unfortunately for them, the local primitives are preparing to go on Crusade, and their reaction to having one of their number burned where he stands is a disciplined military reaction. That discipline and the aliens' surprise results in the English capturing the ship. Unfortunately for the English, the last alien survivor manages to lock the ship onto an autopilot program that will return it to its base. Unfortunately for the alien empire, that gives the Baron 10 days of travel time to come up with a plan to conquer the garrison on the alien colony planet...

It sounds daft, and it is, but Anderson was a good enough writer to pull it off. Sir Roger may be a mediaeval baron, but he has an open mind, an excellent grasp of tactics, and a sound understanding of practical psychology. That makes him a formidable opponent for an empire that hasn't had to deal with serious opposition for generations. It also makes for a very funny story, particularly when Sir Roger cheerfully lies his way through various negotiations, presenting himself as the representative of a large multi-planet empire.

First published in 1960, this is a short novel by today's standards, but just the right length for the story it tells. It's enormous fun, and well worth a read.

LibraryThing entry
at Amazon UK
at Amazon US

Comments

[tychist.livejournal.com]

It does sound fun. I don't have nearly enough Anderson on my shelves so I shall look out for it. Thanks for the review.

[julesjones]

I hadn't read it for years, and was worried that it might have lost some of its sparkle. But it's an absolute hoot, with some charming characters.

[tychist.livejournal.com]

A little while ago someone made a comment about some SF&F writers trying too hard (or coming down too hard on people who just 'make stuff up') It might have been Jacey. I think a lot of SF books could do with a bigger injection of fun and less insistence on complete consistency and scientific accuracy. Awesome can be daft, and still be awesome.
Well, that's what I think.

[julesjones]

Just making stuff up can be a problem if it's done in a way that snaps the reader's disbelief suspenders. But a good writer can leave you too busy giggling in the good way for you to notice the dodgy science or plot holes. :-)

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Sounds like fun! Can I borrow it when I come to visit?

[julesjones]

As long as one of us manages to remember about it. :-)

[rpdom.livejournal.com]

That sounds like fun. I haven't read much Anderson, so have followed your Amazon link and ordered one :-)

[julesjones]

Have fun. :-)

[rpdom.livejournal.com]

It arrived today. I look forward to reading it :-)

[alex-beecroft.livejournal.com]

Oh, that sounds so cool! Medieval knights v aliens sounds just my cup of tea :) Thanks for the rec.

[julesjones]

It's enormous fun, partly because he does a good job of keeping the characters within a mediaeval mindset. Just an open-minded (and bloody-minded about getting home) mediaeval mindset.

[sallymn.livejournal.com]

That sounds soooo me :) I must look out for a copy...

[julesjones]

I think you'd like this one. :-) It seems to be out of print at the moment, but you might well find it in a second-hand shop.

[pinkdormouse.livejournal.com]

That sounds like a lot of fun.

[julesjones]

It's as daft as it sounds, but he gets away with it in part because it really is enormous fun.

[pinkdormouse.livejournal.com]

Looks like I can order a copy from the library. Shall do so when I take my current crop of books back.