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The Shape Changer
A Lafayette O\'Leary adventure
by Keith Laumer
Berkley Medallion Book, 1973
CONDITION:
Solid and unmarked, mild reading wear.
ATTRIBUTES:
Mass market paperback. No dust jacket.
DESCRIPTION:
Keith Laumer\'s *The Shape Changer* is a science fiction novel that plunges its protagonist, Lafayette O\'Leary, into a chaotic journey across various continua. O\'Leary, who has a tendency to \"slip continua,\" finds himself in diverse and often perilous situations, such as being a gypsy or a crippled birdman. The plot of *The Shape Changer* specifically involves O\'Leary confronting a rogue time agent from a mysterious organization called \"Central.\" This agent aims to isolate a continuum, exploit its resources, and ultimately take control of all continua. O\'Leary\'s adventures are characterized by humor and often involve him undergoing various forms of \"shape-shifting\" and navigating different dialects.
Keith Laumer (1925-1993) was an American science fiction author known for his prolific output, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. His experiences in the US armed forces and Diplomatic Corps significantly influenced his writing, which often featured themes of interstellar diplomacy, action-adventure, and sometimes humor. Laumer is also recognized for other popular series, including the Bolo stories, which chronicle the evolution of self-aware tanks, and the satirical Retief series, which lampoons bureaucratic absurdities in interstellar diplomacy.
*The Shape Changer* is the third book in the Lafayette O\'Leary series, following *The Time Bender* and *The World Shuffler*. Laumer\'s work, including the O\'Leary series, is noted for its blend of fast-paced adventure, humor, and exploration of time travel and alternate realities. Collectors of science fiction, particularly those interested in classic works from the genre\'s mid-20th century golden age, would find this book interesting due to Laumer\'s significant contributions to the field and the unique blend of action, humor, and imaginative concepts present in his Lafayette O\'Leary adventures.
FLASHBACK TO 1973 WHEN THIS BOOK WAS PUBLISHED:
When this book was published in 1973, the Vietnam War was officially ending for the US, the Watergate scandal was deepening its grip on American politics, and Pink Floyd’s *The Dark Side of the Moon* was redefining rock music. The world also witnessed the birth of the first handheld mobile phone, while Keith Laumer, a prolific science fiction author, continued to release new works to an eager readership. Amidst this backdrop, the Yom Kippur War erupted in the Middle East, shaking global stability and triggering an oil crisis.
Location: 01-02-01-2062
