explorer / books · 1972
The Byworlder
Published 1971 by New American Library · 160 pages
Nebula · 1972
FinalistOn the ballot with
This book is recorded on the Nebula ballot only. Each row shows the full Best Novel ballot for that award and ceremony year. Winners appear first.
Poul Anderson on these ballots
12 award entries · 10 books · 0 wins · 1959–1990
Synopsis
An alien spaceship has orbited Earth for three years, its single occupant defying all attempts at communication. Skip Wayburn, an itinerant artist living in the libertarian 'byworld' subculture, suddenly realizes he understands the alien's purpose and is drafted to make contact, even as Cold War tensions threaten to turn the encounter into a geopolitical crisis.
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