This debut novel from preeminent science fiction writer Ursula Le Guin introduces her brilliant Hainish series, occur a galaxy seeded by the earth Hain with a number of humanoid species, including that of Earth. Over the centuries, the Hainish colonies possess evolved into bodily and culturally exclusive peoples, joined by a League of All Worlds.

Earth-scientist Rocannon has been leading an ethnological survey on a remote world filled by three native races: the cavern-dwelling Gdemiar, the elvish Fiia, as well as the warrior clan, Liuar. However when the technologically primitive globe is suddenly invaded with a fleet of ships from the celebrities, rebels against the League of most Worlds, Rocannon may be the only survey member still left alive. Marooned among alien individuals, he network marketing leads the fight to free this newly discovered world and finds that legends develop around him as he fights.