SOLVED. Sci Fi with interplanetary travel and planet society based on Italian Renaissance including swordplay and duels. [s]

[Susan]

Read the book over 25 years ago before I moved from Portland. Gave it to my then husband to read who promptly lost it. Now, I can't remember either title or author.

Plot: Science Fiction taking place in future in which space travel is common and many planets have developed unique societies. Starts on a planet that has loosely based its societal on the Italian Renaissance including hot-headed young men who duel with swords which instead of slicing or stabbing like a foil or epee or saber, give a nerve shock. Usually is not lethal, but too many shocks can kill and it does very early in the book to the friend of the protagonist.

After the death of one of the group of friends, an off-planet message comes for another of the group--one considered a good pal, but not quite up to the standards of fashion, behavior and swordplay of the others. Turns out that the man is son of an important person on another planet and has to return even though he'd rejected that society.

Rest of the book revolves around the return to the other planet--protagonist goes along with the guy, and how they both learn, change, etc.

[Rainbowheart]

You have to add plot details to your header. Otherwise, your post may be locked by the mods.

[Susan]

Rainbowheart wrote: "You have to add plot details to your header. Otherwise, your post may be locked by the mods."

Thanks, I was not quite sure how much plot could be put in title. As the crucial thing in the book seems to be about the society based on the Italian Renaissance, I added that.

[beichst]

I believe you are looking for the A Million Open Doors series by John Barnes.

"Nou Occitan is a place where duels are fought with equal passion over insults and artistic views alike. Giraut--swordsman, troubador, lover--is a creature of this swashbuckling world, the most isolated of humanity's Thousand Cultures.

But the winds of change have come to Nou Occitan. As the invention of the "springer"--instantaneous interstellar travel, at a price--spreads throughout the human galaxy, the stability and purity of no world, no matter how isolated, is safe. Nor can Giraut's life remain untouched. "

[Susan]

Brad wrote: "I believe you are looking for the A Million Open Doors series by John Barnes.

"Nou Occitan is a place where duels are fought with equal passion over insults and artis..."
That description definitely sounds right. I couldn't remember exactly why they went to the other planet except that the one character's father was asking him to come home, but from the description, I think the changes that would come to the other planet prompted the parent to request the son come home.

I can't believe after 25 years I might finally locate the darned book!

[beichst]

It would indeed be great if this is the book you are seeking. Even better is that if you enjoyed the first book, there are three additional books in the series:

Million Open Doors
1. A Million Open Doors (1992)
2. Earth Made of Glass (1998)
3. The Merchants of Souls (2001)
4. The Armies of Memory (2006)

[Susan]

Brad wrote: "It would indeed be great if this is the book you are seeking. Even better is that if you enjoyed the first book, there are three additional books in the series:

Million Open Doors
1. A Million O..."

When I read the description of the 3 other books, I became absolutely convinced that you led me to the right book. It mentioned the name of another character which I instantly recognized as part of the first book. Again, thank you (and I still can't believe I found the darned thing!).