Ep11 Sword and Planet

Witch World, published in 1963, follows Simon Tregarth, a former U.S. Army officer who becomes embroiled in the black market and is eventually transported to the magical world of Witch World. There, he finds himself in the midst of a struggle between the matriarchal society of Estcarp and its enemies. The novel explores themes of magic, adventure, and the challenges faced by those in this new world.

In this novel, Arkady and Boris Strugatsky explore the complexities of observation and intervention through the character of Don Rumata, a historian from Earth who is sent to the medieval kingdom of Arkanar. There, he must navigate the challenges of being a god-like figure in a society that is fraught with violence and political upheaval. The novel is a critique of the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of intervention in foreign societies.

Daily Life in the World of Charlemagne by Pierre Riché offers a detailed and engaging look into the daily lives of people living in the Carolingian Empire during the reign of Charlemagne. The book covers various aspects of life, from agriculture and trade to religion and warfare. Riché masterfully weaves together historical accounts, archaeological findings, and literary sources to create a vivid picture of the era. The book is highly regarded for its accessibility and its ability to bring the past to life for modern readers. It provides valuable insights into the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the Carolingian world.

Published in 1915, 'A Princess of Mars' is the inaugural book of the Barsoom series by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The story follows John Carter, a Confederate soldier from Virginia, who is transported to Mars (known as Barsoom) through an unexplained phenomenon. On Mars, Carter's Earth-based muscles give him extraordinary strength and agility due to the planet's lower gravity. He is captured by the Tharks, green-skinned, four-armed Martian warriors, but soon gains their respect and becomes a chieftain. Carter falls in love with Dejah Thoris, a princess of the city-state Helium, and helps her people against their enemies. The novel explores themes of adventure, love, and the clash of different Martian cultures, with Burroughs' characteristic blend of science fiction and swashbuckling action.