Read by Peter Kenny

In The Player of Games, Iain M. Banks presents a distant future that could almost
be called the end of history. Humanity has filled the galaxy, and thanks to ultra-
high technology everyone has everything they want, no one gets sick, and no one
dies. It's a playground society of sports, stellar cruises, parties, and festivals.
Jernau Gurgeh, a famed master game player, is looking for something more and finds
it when he's invited to a game tournament at a small alien empire. Abruptly Banks
veers into different territory. The Empire of Azad is exotic, sensual, and vibrant.
It has space battle cruisers, a glowing court--all the stuff of good old science
fiction--which appears old-fashioned in contrast to Gurgeh's home. At first it's
a relief, but further exploration reveals the empire to be depraved and
terrifically unjust. Its defects are gross exaggerations of our own, yet they
indict us all the same. Clearly Banks is interested in the idea of a future where
everyone can be mature and happy. Yet it's interesting to note that in order to
give us this compelling adventure story, he has to return to a more traditional
setting. Thoughtful science fiction readers will appreciate the cultural
comparisons, and fans of big ideas and action will also be rewarded.-Brooks Peck

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