A collection of interconnected science fictionshort stories by George R.R. Martin, written from the late 1970s onwards and published in collected form in 1987. "Tuf Voyaging" concerns the (mis)adventures of Haviland Tuf, a bald, very pale, overweight, phlegmatic and solitary space trader. Due to the venality and cutthroat tactics of those around him, Tuf inadvertently becomes master of an ancient, 30-kilometer-long "seedship," a very powerful warship with advanced ecological-engineering capabilities. Tuf travels the galaxy, offering his services to worlds with environmental problems, and sometimes imposing solutions of his own. The book is a witty, dark-humored meditation on absolute power, cats, environmentalism, overpopulation, and the finer points of mushroom cuisine. It is considered by some to be the author's best early work. Science fiction is a form of speculative fiction principally dealing with the impact of imagined science and technology, or both, upon society and persons as individuals. ... This article is in need of attention. ... George R. R. Martin, circa 1986 George Raymond Richard Martin (born September 20, 1948 in Bayonne, New Jersey) is an American writer of science fiction and fantasy, and also a screenwriter and producer. ... 1987 is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...
Tuf's ship, the Cornucopia of Excellent Goods at Low Prices, is damaged by the seedship's automated defenses, and three of the occupants board the seedship by means of pressure suits, while the others left on the ship manage to land it on the seedship.
One of Tuf's cats dies due to the plagues, and Tuf uses the seedship's capabilities to clone it.
Tuf is approached by Herold Norn, Senior Beastmaster of the Norn House of Lyronica.
TufVoyaging, however, is a particularly delightful exception, perhaps because it is more a collection of short fiction all centering on one man, than a true novel.
Tuf's speech and manner is stiff and formal, and when aroused he is inclined to a viciously deadpan sarcasm.
TufVoyaging is as fine a set of science fiction stories as I have ever read, dealing with the problems and relationships of humanity and their technology, bound up with fascinating characters and plots.
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