Dumarest of Terra Series by E.C. Tubb

A mercenary, a galactic traveller, a survivor: Earl Dumarest is tired and wants to go home. But in a decadent universe where life is cheap and starflight precious, where emotionless conspirators and mind-controlling churches spin webs of intrigue to ensnare whole galaxies, Dumarest's goal seems impossible. For no one knows where his home world lies, no one believes Dumarest was born on a myth called Earth... moreA mercenary, a galactic traveller, a survivor: Earl Dumarest is tired and wants to go home. But in a decadent universe where life is cheap and starflight precious, where emotionless conspirators and mind-controlling churches spin webs of intrigue to ensnare whole galaxies, Dumarest's goal seems impossible. For no one knows where his home world lies, no one believes Dumarest was born on a myth called Earth.Earth is lost in an infinity of stars, leaving Dumarest stranded on Gath, trapped in the schemes of a sadistic prince, a dying Matriarch, a corrupt ruler, and the sinister Cyclan--on a world where star storms drive men mad with the song of the spheres and the voices of the dead arise to kill the living. Here the journey begins, and here it may end, adrift on the Winds of Gath. less

Still driven by his search for Man's fabled birthplace, Earl Dumrest accepts a commission to guard the Lady Derai, heiress to the proud House of Caldor, on the feudal world of Hive. On Derai's home planet, Dumarest had hoped to meet a living witness to Earth. But instead he finds himself in the lists of the deadly Contest on Folgone - with the Lady of Caldor as prize... moreStill driven by his search for Man's fabled birthplace, Earl Dumrest accepts a commission to guard the Lady Derai, heiress to the proud House of Caldor, on the feudal world of Hive. On Derai's home planet, Dumarest had hoped to meet a living witness to Earth. But instead he finds himself in the lists of the deadly Contest on Folgone - with the Lady of Caldor as prize. And on Folgone, for the first time, Dumarest confronts the Cybers: ruthless, emotionless tools of a great Gestalt which holds the mighty of the universe in its grip - a power which may yet provide him with the key to his quest for Earth. less

Space-wanderer Earl Dumarest is on the planet Toy to consult the giant computer which may contain information on the whereabouts of Earth, his lost home-world.But soon he realises Toy is a place that gives away nothing for free. Before Dumarest can gain the information he needs, he must take part in the Toy Games - must fight like a tin soldier in a vast nursery.And there is nothing playful about the Games on Toy. The pain is real enough; the wounds, the blood - and death.

Many times, Dumarest's dream of Earth has almost cost him his life. As he journeys from world to world, restlessly moving outwards towards the edge of the galaxy where his goal lies, Dumarest must be alert, watchful. For there are new dangers - forces more powerful than man - which threaten his dream. On a planet where violence and superstition hold sway, Dumarest forges a bond with the prophetess Kalin. And now, more than ever, he needs her. Kalin... moreMany times, Dumarest's dream of Earth has almost cost him his life. As he journeys from world to world, restlessly moving outwards towards the edge of the galaxy where his goal lies, Dumarest must be alert, watchful. For there are new dangers - forces more powerful than man - which threaten his dream. On a planet where violence and superstition hold sway, Dumarest forges a bond with the prophetess Kalin. And now, more than ever, he needs her. Kalin. The mutant girl whose mysterious talent for seeing into the future has already saved him from Bloodtime on Logis, from space-disaster, from slavery on desolate Chron. Kalin. Who can foretell the terrors yet to come. (First published 1969) less

nigmatic man, grim, dressed in gray clothing with a buried metal mesh to protect against the lash of a claw, the rip of thorns, or the thrust of edged weapons. A man with lightning reflexes and carrying a knife he knows how to use. A man prepared to kill unhesitatingly to defend himself and to achieve his goal-to return to Earth. Earth The planet of his birth, from which he had been forced to flee when little more than a child... morenigmatic man, grim, dressed in gray clothing with a buried metal mesh to protect against the lash of a claw, the rip of thorns, or the thrust of edged weapons. A man with lightning reflexes and carrying a knife he knows how to use. A man prepared to kill unhesitatingly to defend himself and to achieve his goal-to return to Earth. Earth The planet of his birth, from which he had been forced to flee when little more than a child. A world so ancient that it has passed into legend, its very existence denied, derided, expunged from all stellar almanacs. But how can a man find a myth? Moving outward from the Galactic Center, along a spiral arm of stars, Dumarest moves through a hostile universe. His quest takes him to strange and harsh worlds, as savage as the people who inhabit them. Sometimes he finds friends, sometimes only enemies, and sometimes lush and exotic women who desire him. And everywhere he goes, he is being pursued by an implacable, inhuman enemy-the Cyclan The Cyclan, with its legion of agents, the Cybers, cold zealots whose emotions have been surgically removed, and who are psychically linked to a gigantic organic computer of a million disembodied brains. The Cyclan seek to exert control over the thousands of inhabited planets, but to do that they must first capture Dumarest, who alone possesses the secret they need. Inhuman monsters looking for a human target. But Dumarest is determined to survive, no matter what the cost. For somewhere in the vastness of the teeming galaxy, he hopes to find the one person who could answer his question. 'Have you ever heard of a planet called Earth?'-and answer 'Yes' less

Scar— a harsh, inhospitable world with a vicious and shifting population of prospectors, drawn from every corner of the galaxy by rumors of a miraculous golden spore. To this violent planet come two more travelers, ready to try their luck among its lethal jungles: the cruel, mocking Lord of Jest—and Dumarest, driven by destiny on his endless search for Lost Earth...

Dumarest had sailed endless leagues in the morass of the sea of stars. Yet nowhere among the infinite worlds upon which he touched did he find what he sought. He was looking for home, for an ancient planet so old that its name had turned to sand trickling down an unreachable hourglass.Nimino, the ship's navigator, sat opposite him along with the fat, widely traveled trader, Yalung... moreDumarest had sailed endless leagues in the morass of the sea of stars. Yet nowhere among the infinite worlds upon which he touched did he find what he sought. He was looking for home, for an ancient planet so old that its name had turned to sand trickling down an unreachable hourglass.Nimino, the ship's navigator, sat opposite him along with the fat, widely traveled trader, Yalung. As long as there was a chance of reaching for a grain of information, he would continue to ask the same question he had always asked every league of the way."Tell me," he said, "have you ever heard of Earth?" less

Dumarest has traced the lost planet of Earth to one remote corner of the galaxy, but he still lacks its precise co-ordinates. Somewhere on the cyber-dominated police-world of Technos lives the mysterious woman who can help him. And the only way to find her is to become a slave . . . (First published 1972)

Earl Dumarest, trans-galactic soldier of fortune, is still seeking his birthplace, the fabled planet Earth. On the distant, decadent planet Dradea, he meets the mysterious, mutant woman Veruchia. She selected him from the gladiators' arena to become her servant. . . and more. Soon, Dumarest discovers that she too is engaged in a quest - and that the fate of her planet hangs in the balance. Fascinated, compelled, he agrees to help her... moreEarl Dumarest, trans-galactic soldier of fortune, is still seeking his birthplace, the fabled planet Earth. On the distant, decadent planet Dradea, he meets the mysterious, mutant woman Veruchia. She selected him from the gladiators' arena to become her servant. . . and more. Soon, Dumarest discovers that she too is engaged in a quest - and that the fate of her planet hangs in the balance. Fascinated, compelled, he agrees to help her. But then he must face bizarre perils which make the gladiatorial arena seem a haven of safety. . . less

Earl Dumarest still seeks the mythical planet Earth . . . still roams alien and violent worlds. With him goes Mayenne, whose songs create joy and passion - or forgetfulness.Together they are cast up on Tormyle, a planet from another galaxy; a planet unique throughout the Universe. For Tormyle is sentient - the most powerful intelligence in the Cosmos, constantly recreating itself.Tormyle can be Paradise or Hell... moreEarl Dumarest still seeks the mythical planet Earth . . . still roams alien and violent worlds. With him goes Mayenne, whose songs create joy and passion - or forgetfulness.Together they are cast up on Tormyle, a planet from another galaxy; a planet unique throughout the Universe. For Tormyle is sentient - the most powerful intelligence in the Cosmos, constantly recreating itself.Tormyle can be Paradise or Hell. Tormyle can manifest as a dragon or a knight on horseback, faceless behind the helmet. Tormyle understands nothing of humanity, of men and women, of emotion. And Tormyle will let no-one escape who cannot answer the unanswerable. less

'Earth is real,' Dumarest insisted. 'A world old and scarred by ancient wars. The stars are few and there is a great single moon which hangs like a pale sun in the night sky.' In the quest for his legendary birthplace, Earl Dumarest has traversed galaxies. Now, at least, he reaches Ourelle, a planet close to Earth - out along a far arm of the Milky Way. There he finds Jondelle, a boy who may hold the key to Earl's search. But then Jondelle is kidnapped... more'Earth is real,' Dumarest insisted. 'A world old and scarred by ancient wars. The stars are few and there is a great single moon which hangs like a pale sun in the night sky.' In the quest for his legendary birthplace, Earl Dumarest has traversed galaxies. Now, at least, he reaches Ourelle, a planet close to Earth - out along a far arm of the Milky Way. There he finds Jondelle, a boy who may hold the key to Earl's search. But then Jondelle is kidnapped. And Dumarest's pursuit of the imperilled boy leads him to a city of paranoiac killers - madmen whose terrible violence is always on a hair-trigger! less

Book by E. C. Tubb

Cyber Prime surveyed the domains of his vast scattered empire with trepidation. Central Intelligence had ruled the empire in the past. Now he knew that this gigantic computer was degenerating, breaking up after years of use. Only one man could save them: Earl Dumarest, a lonely space traveller engaged on a long quest to find his birth planet, Earth. The Cybers must find and intercept him... moreCyber Prime surveyed the domains of his vast scattered empire with trepidation. Central Intelligence had ruled the empire in the past. Now he knew that this gigantic computer was degenerating, breaking up after years of use. Only one man could save them: Earl Dumarest, a lonely space traveller engaged on a long quest to find his birth planet, Earth. The Cybers must find and intercept him. But before the Cybers discover Dumarest, they encounter Eloise, a beautiful seductress who drives logic from their minds . . . (First published 1975) less

Dumarest befriended a young man who said his home world was called Nerth. Earth?

Dumarest, coming closer to the trail of the mythical Earth , is forced to divert his attention to hunt 6r a nebulous ghost world. That planet was said to hold on its surface a castle of heart's desire--where every wish would be fulfilled, including, perhaps, the return to Earth itself!

Earl Dumarest, now a vanquished and captive mercenary, is offered the choice of surrender to the fearsome Cyclan or the chance of freedom by the beautiful and ruthless Lady Delphine... moreEarl Dumarest, now a vanquished and captive mercenary, is offered the choice of surrender to the fearsome Cyclan or the chance of freedom by the beautiful and ruthless Lady Delphine. The risks are terrifying - but has Dumarest a choice? Intent on finding the legendary world of Terra - Earth - the planet of his birth; pursued by the brilliant and ruthless megalomaniac race, the Cyclan, whose secret key to Galactic domination only he possesses; trapped on a plague ship hurtling through a universe determined to destroy it, and captained by a madman - Earl Dumarest is tempted by the irresistible but fatal promise of Delphine. The choice is simple - to abandon his dreams or perish by them, just as they promise fulfilment. (First published 1976) less

Dumarest had been to many worlds in his long quest for Earth, but none were to entrap him as dangerously as Zakym. A mere stop on his route, Dumarest had thought, but he had not known then of the things that made Zakym of the double-sun unique.One was the daily recurrence of the dead—the time of delusia when spectres walked and criticized the works of the living.The other was the Pact—the unwritten treaty with an unseen species that divided the world forever... moreDumarest had been to many worlds in his long quest for Earth, but none were to entrap him as dangerously as Zakym. A mere stop on his route, Dumarest had thought, but he had not known then of the things that made Zakym of the double-sun unique.One was the daily recurrence of the dead—the time of delusia when spectres walked and criticized the works of the living.The other was the Pact—the unwritten treaty with an unseen species that divided the world forever. In daytime it belonged to humanity; after dark it became a hostile and alien planet.Dumarest thought Zakym would be a mere stopover on his quest, but the living, the dead, and the invisible decided otherwise. less

Urgent message from Central Intelligence to local Cyber agent: "You will proceed to the planet Zakym with the utmost dispatch. Dumarest is not to be killed or his intelligence placed in danger. This is of utmost priority. Once found he is to be removed from the planet immediately."Zakym is approaching a critical state as regards the stability of its present culture... moreUrgent message from Central Intelligence to local Cyber agent: "You will proceed to the planet Zakym with the utmost dispatch. Dumarest is not to be killed or his intelligence placed in danger. This is of utmost priority. Once found he is to be removed from the planet immediately."Zakym is approaching a critical state as regards the stability of its present culture. Find Dumarest and move him before he becomes embroiled in a war!"But Earl Dumarest, seeker of Lost Terra, was not ready to leave Zakym, world of the night rulers and the day people. He had a romance to defend, he had a mystery to be solved, and had his next step to the mysterious Sol system to be determined. less

An art collector seemed an unlikely prospect for information on the galactic coordinates of the forgotten planet Earth. But Earl Dumarest never overlooked any clue--& when he defended an art devotee named Sardia, he was unexpectedly rewarded by the sight of the painting she sought. For in its sky was the unmistakable features of cratered Luna, Earth's equally fabled satellite. Sardia said the painter of the picture lived on a planet called Ath--& that was significant... moreAn art collector seemed an unlikely prospect for information on the galactic coordinates of the forgotten planet Earth. But Earl Dumarest never overlooked any clue--& when he defended an art devotee named Sardia, he was unexpectedly rewarded by the sight of the painting she sought. For in its sky was the unmistakable features of cratered Luna, Earth's equally fabled satellite. Sardia said the painter of the picture lived on a planet called Ath--& that was significant. So to Ath they went, she to find the painter, Dumarest to find the source of the accurate lunar presentation. But Ath was not yet Earth. Between the painter & the seekers stood the ominous forces of the Cyclan & the enigmatic insurrectionists called the Ohrm. less

The Cyclan was the greatest concentration of intelligence in a thousand worlds - and yet Earl Dumarest continued to elude it. For too long. Bochner was the greatest hunter of a hundred worlds - a man more than wise to the wiles of beasts and men. And now he was on the trail of the most dangerous and most challenging quarry of his career: Earl Dumarest. While Dumarest searched for lost Terra, the Cyclan and Bochner searched for him... moreThe Cyclan was the greatest concentration of intelligence in a thousand worlds - and yet Earl Dumarest continued to elude it. For too long. Bochner was the greatest hunter of a hundred worlds - a man more than wise to the wiles of beasts and men. And now he was on the trail of the most dangerous and most challenging quarry of his career: Earl Dumarest. While Dumarest searched for lost Terra, the Cyclan and Bochner searched for him. Of all the nightmare worlds of the universe, the hunt this time was to lead to the Quillian Sector. The Quillian Sector: the place where space goes mad (First published 1978) less

There was only one way out of Harge: to find a singing jewel, the greatest prize on that world of sand dunes. But the jewels were hidden deep in the burrows of Harge's most vicious predator. Earl Dumarest could fight humans, could match wits with the implacable Cyclan. But now, in his galaxy-spanning quest for the lost planet Earth, he must face the WEB OF SAND. (First published 1979)

It was touch and go for Earl Dumarest when the slavers of the Matriarchy of Onorldi struck his work camp. Had he not captured the Matriarch herself during the fight, it might have spelled his doom when the slavers triumphed. Because, even though the odds had turned heavily against him, he was able to strike a bargain. The Matriarch's child daughter Iduna had disappeared into the mind-trap of the Tau... moreIt was touch and go for Earl Dumarest when the slavers of the Matriarchy of Onorldi struck his work camp. Had he not captured the Matriarch herself during the fight, it might have spelled his doom when the slavers triumphed. Because, even though the odds had turned heavily against him, he was able to strike a bargain. The Matriarch's child daughter Iduna had disappeared into the mind-trap of the Tau. If he could follow, find her, and return with her, he would have his freedom and a chance to locate the lost Earth he sought. But Dumarest had to outwit her monster playthings, outfight her hideous horrors, and outdream her satanic fantasies . . . (First published 1979) less

Only Earl Dumarest himself believed that there was ever a planet called Earth. He had been seeking it a long time - but nobody else at the crowded galactic centre believed in it. During his quest he had acquired some bits of information - a Terrestrial zodiac, and authentic painting of Luna, a general series of hints that he was getting closer. The he learned of a man on Elysius who knew where Earth was, and who had the special coordinates that would take a starship directly to it... moreOnly Earl Dumarest himself believed that there was ever a planet called Earth. He had been seeking it a long time - but nobody else at the crowded galactic centre believed in it. During his quest he had acquired some bits of information - a Terrestrial zodiac, and authentic painting of Luna, a general series of hints that he was getting closer. The he learned of a man on Elysius who knew where Earth was, and who had the special coordinates that would take a starship directly to it. Though the man was dead, his widow knew where the data lay. But she demanded a price from Dumarest - a chore that involved a mining expedition which would bring her back a fortune . . . and for him the information he sought. But the Terra Data would not be so easily come by! (First published 1980) less

Ascelius was an academic world, whose primary business was teaching the knowledge of the thousands of worlds, and housing great universities and colleges, populated by students and scholars from all over the galaxy. Such a world was surely the place to learn of the legendary planet called Earth. And Dumarest discovered that there had once indeed been a study-group of Earth lore. But to find the remnants of it was not easy... moreAscelius was an academic world, whose primary business was teaching the knowledge of the thousands of worlds, and housing great universities and colleges, populated by students and scholars from all over the galaxy. Such a world was surely the place to learn of the legendary planet called Earth. And Dumarest discovered that there had once indeed been a study-group of Earth lore. But to find the remnants of it was not easy. Not when the dreaded Cyber already had a toe-hold on Ascelius - and genetic engineering of man and monster was the latest fad. But Dumarest was not a quitter. Whatever the tests might demand, he would not give up . . . although it might mean death for others - or even for himself. (First published 1980) less

The planet had two unique elements. One was that it produced the galaxy's most desirable hallucinatory drug. The other was that it was a stock broker's paradise. The world was split into rich men's holdings - and every hour, every minute these were being traded on a continuous stock-market. Up and down went values as men conspired to seize others' properties, to push prices down and costs up... moreThe planet had two unique elements. One was that it produced the galaxy's most desirable hallucinatory drug. The other was that it was a stock broker's paradise. The world was split into rich men's holdings - and every hour, every minute these were being traded on a continuous stock-market. Up and down went values as men conspired to seize others' properties, to push prices down and costs up. Their money game controlled everything else - the common people, workers, farmers, homes, lives, poverty and luxury . . . Earl Dumarest went there to find his next stake. Find the drug-gem or manipulate the market - two possibilities. But behind the scenes stood the advisors of the inhuman Cyclan, determined to fix the odds against Dumarest . . . (First published 1981) less

In his long quest to locate Earth, Earl Dumarest encounters a painting that contains familiar astrological symbols. This painting and the object it represents leads him to the Terridae, a strange cult on the edge of space whose members while away the years in pleasure, awaiting the rediscovery of the lost planet Earth...Meanwhile, the vicious cybers of Cyclan continue to hunt Dumarest to regain the secret of the "affinity twin": knowledge which will allow them to conquer the galaxy.

The Terridae believed the lost Earth was heaven and utopia combined. In their artificial planet, they moved slowly through the universe in search of it. And in their eyes, the rediscovery of Earth was to be the Event. Now they said the Event was coming Earl Dumarest - who was born on Earth and knew the truth - was an unwelcome visitor among them. If they knew of Earth's whereabouts, they were not telling him. But another Event was already on its way... moreThe Terridae believed the lost Earth was heaven and utopia combined. In their artificial planet, they moved slowly through the universe in search of it. And in their eyes, the rediscovery of Earth was to be the Event. Now they said the Event was coming Earl Dumarest - who was born on Earth and knew the truth - was an unwelcome visitor among them. If they knew of Earth's whereabouts, they were not telling him. But another Event was already on its way. A Cyclan ship was rapidly approaching the Terridae's world, confident that this time Dumarest would fall into their heartless clutches. Dumarest was not ready to flee - but if he stayed there would be no Earth for him, only a long, lingering doom. (First published 1982) less

Book by E. C. Tubb

"Welcome to the circus of Chen Wei! A spectacle of marvels culled from a thousand worlds! Things that will fill you with rapture!"There could be little to surprise Dumarest. But Chen Wei's circus was special. It held Melome - the girl-child whose song could bring back forgotten data from the logs of lost spaceships and true visions of mythical Terra. She was surely the key to Dumarest's next step - but that circus was more than an entertainment. It was a deadly trap . . .

On Angado's planet, there was a man who knew the whereabouts of the lost Earth. Earl Dumarest, born on Earth, longed to find the way home. Because they were comrades in arms, Angado would help Earl find that man - for a price. For Angado was returning to a complex of high-tech cunning and high-wealth power . . . the prodigal son against whom all would plot. The Cyclan, who had put a fabulous price on Dumarest's head, were also closing in... moreOn Angado's planet, there was a man who knew the whereabouts of the lost Earth. Earl Dumarest, born on Earth, longed to find the way home. Because they were comrades in arms, Angado would help Earl find that man - for a price. For Angado was returning to a complex of high-tech cunning and high-wealth power . . . the prodigal son against whom all would plot. The Cyclan, who had put a fabulous price on Dumarest's head, were also closing in. But Dumarest was willing to stay to the bitter end - for the priceless reward of forgotten Terra. (First published 1984) less

Leon Vardis' whole life was keyed to revenge. If it couldn't be wreaked on the peasants who had burned his mother as a witch on the primitive planet of Rhome, then it could, most gloriously could, be let loose on the contemptuous sophisticates who rescued him from certain death, toyed with him for their own amusement and then, uncaring, cast him aside on the metropolitan planet of Joslen... moreLeon Vardis' whole life was keyed to revenge. If it couldn't be wreaked on the peasants who had burned his mother as a witch on the primitive planet of Rhome, then it could, most gloriously could, be let loose on the contemptuous sophisticates who rescued him from certain death, toyed with him for their own amusement and then, uncaring, cast him aside on the metropolitan planet of Joslen. But first his apprenticeship - as peasant farmer on Pharos, as space mercenary on more planets then you'd care to name. Then independence, as a stellar trader. And at last an opportunity to act as Fate, slowly, and with ironically sophisticated enjoyment, For in the hypnotic jewels of far Shergol lay the seeds of a truly cosmic vengeance. Leon's saga was complete. The ultimate leveller had been unleashed on the galaxy. less

Dumarest had learned in the hard school of experience and he came equipped with certain attributes. He had very fast reflexes, he carried a knife and knew how to use it, he wore travellers garb which, because of the metal mesh buried within the thermal plastic, gave him protection against the lash of a claw, the rip of thorns, the cut and thrust of edged weapons. Most important of all, he had an overriding determination to survive no matter what the cost On Gath this wasn't easy . . moreDumarest had learned in the hard school of experience and he came equipped with certain attributes. He had very fast reflexes, he carried a knife and knew how to use it, he wore travellers garb which, because of the metal mesh buried within the thermal plastic, gave him protection against the lash of a claw, the rip of thorns, the cut and thrust of edged weapons. Most important of all, he had an overriding determination to survive no matter what the cost On Gath this wasn't easy . . . (First published 1997) less

The long awaited 33rd volume in the Dumarest of Terra saga by E.C. Tubb: Child of Earth. With cover art by award-winning artist Doug Klauba, and a special introduction by Chris Bentley, this limited-edition printing of 1,000 copies brings closure to the long-running Dumarest of Terra saga that started in 1967, with the first U.S. publication of Winds of Gath.