A seminal novel in Banks's acclaimed series about the universe of the Culture. Gurgeh is the best, the champion of the ancient, all-embracing Culture in which there is no disease or disaster, only the endless games. Then he accepts the challenge from the Empire of Azad - and finds out what the Game is really all about.
Iain Banks came to controversial public notice with the publication of his first novel, The Wasp Factory, in 1984. He has since gained enormous popular and critical acclaim for both his mainstream and his science fiction novels.
"Bank writes with a sophistication that will surprise anyone unfamiliar with modern science fiction." - New York Times
"Striking for its breadth of vision, its ability to suggest the sprawling facets of an old, far-flung culture." - Publishers Weekly
"A genuine and original talent." -The Detroit News
"Pyrotechnic, action-filled, satiric, outlandish, deep and frivolous all at once." - Science Fiction Weekly
