This was an unexpected treasure, a novel that has sadly been forgotten. The science might be a bit wonky, but the ideas are still there (e.g. multiple universes, non-human forces waging war with very human pawns).

Leiber creates a sense of place (or rather a sense of a place that is no place); you learn the cant, the lingo, the jargon.

It feels very stagey in some respects. Aside from a few fantastical moments, all could be adapted for stage (given Leiber's theater background, not a surprise).

This book got me started on my quixotic quest to read all the Hugo Award winning novels.