A Planet in Arms [Mass Market Paperback]

Donald Barr (Author)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Fawcett; 1st edition (May 12, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0449244075
• ISBN-13: 978-0449244074
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,270,575 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A second classic for Donald Barr, November 23, 2005

By 

Fighting Phil Sheridan "Phil" (happy valley , UT, USA,) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Planet in Arms (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a great but short sci-fi thriller for those who love epics dealing with war, politics, economics, and espionage (and some adult themes), in the tradition of Robert A. Heinlein and the other great SF authors. It would make a great movie without much CGI special effects.
This is the story after the successful rebellion of the planet Rohan from the high- asian dominated earth imperium of over a thousand years in the future. The purpose of the book, if you will is to focus upon what happens after the revolution, when new forces try to grab power. The point of view shifts thru several facinating characters, as they affect each other and the course of history of their planet.
One of the many interesting facts we learn about the author in his brillant career; is his service in the OSS in WWII in germany. One can't help but feel some of the scenes in the book are from his direct personal experience.
I would say the most lasting impressions of the book, are the clever lessons in economics, politics, espionage tradecraft, and the insight into the human psychiatric condition.

5.0 out of 5 stars SF civil war! Heinlein fans enjoy!, February 21, 2007

By 

Fighting Phil Sheridan "Phil" (happy valley , UT, USA,) - See all my reviews

I thought I'd posted a review here years ago. But here goes.
The Planet Rohan has successfully succeeded from the Asian dominated interstellar Terran empire, and then the real fight begins...
Donald Barr successfully weaved his OSS experience into this tale, as well as characters and political and economic exposition that probably made Robert A Heinlein feel proud back in 1981 when this was written. Barr only wrote two SF novels so far as I can tell, and apparently died in 2004. Nonetheless we are all richer for them (the other being Space Relations, 1971).
This was a classic SF story of love, heroes, heroines, villains, and a villainess or two, the military aspect quite balanced with the guerrilla, and all too realistic secret agent espionage stuff, with even minor sympathetic characters written all through this magnum opus, playing big roles. Did I forget the trenchant humor? There are parts to make you laugh as well as weep!
Enjoy!