Three books collected for the first time in volume four of multiple Hugo- and Nebula-award-winning Poul Anderson’s Technic Civilization science fiction adventure epic. In the twilight of the Terran Empire, one agent stands ready with the grit and wits to save a corrupt empire by hook or by crook – and whether his “betters” appreciate his efforts or not. In the twilight of the Terran Empire, one man exists who can save his crooked empire – and civilization itself – by hook or by crook, whether his “betters” appreciate his efforts or not. Flandry is both agent of empire, and agent-provocateur of change. For even as he fights for the old guard, Flandry remains well aware that change is afoot and that he has the ability to influence the direction of galactic civilization for eons to come. The fourth entry in the seven-volume complete cycle of The Technic Civilization Saga includes Ensign Flandry, A Circus of Hells and The Rebel Worlds. About Poul Anderson:"One of science fiction"s authentic geniuses." -- Chicago Sun-Times“Anderson fuses elegiac prose and a sweeping vision of man’s technological future…” – Booklist“One of science fiction’s giants.” – Arthur C. Clarke