A review by zare_i
Space Viking by H. Beam Piper

4.0

Very interesting story of space adventurer who, forced by events, becomes a Space Viking, a raider of worlds, in order to lure his enemy out.[return][return]Although book is based around this conflict and main characters work on bringing the world of Tanith from the barbarism to civilization it compares many forms of human society - from the very rural cultures of Tanith (medieval level society), 20th century democratic-states-organized world of Amaterasu to more advanced civilization on Beowulf (very similar to Amaterasu, democratic society but with planet level government) and Marduk (planetary level constitutional monarchy)(btw all places in question are planets where action takes place).[return][return]Very interesting views on what is ideal of society and what really means to be civilized.[return][return]Good book, slightly archaic language may repel some readers but my advice is to read on - you'll enjoy it.