THE CORPS DIPLOMATIQUE TERRESTRIENNE HAS NEVER SEEN HIS LIKE... Retief - the most diplomatic diplomat of the 27th century. His mission: to gain control of the most desirable planet in the universe - without triggering intergalactic war. He tries talking ... but how does anyone - even Retief - negotiate with an uninhabited planet? He tries a dice game ... but how does gambling help the solar peace organization prevent the malevolent Basurans (who've eaten their own planet) from turning to Terra's prize colony for an after-dinner snack? The problems Retief faces are just beginning, but as insurmountable as they seem, the indomitable adventurer prevails - and keeps the state of the universe on an even keel!
