Book review: Revisiting Poul Anderson’s witty sci-fi/fantasy romp ‘The High Crusade’
Written by Rich Rogers
“THE HIGH CRUSADE.” Poul Anderson. 2012 (50th Anniversary Edition). Mass Market Paperback. 248 pages. $7.99.
Okay, so the book is old and the author is dead. That doesn’t mean that it’s not good, very funny, and worth reading. And as you may have guessed, “The High Crusade” is all of the above.
Poul Anderson was one of the most prolific authors in the world of science fiction, with more than 100 books to his name. He held a degree in physics, and had a broad knowledge of other scientific fields as well. Anderson won the Hugo Award seven times, the Nebula Award three times, and was named a Grandmaster of Science Fiction as by the Science Fiction Writers of America. With his background, he was able to craft believable alien worlds and space travel. Among his most famous creations are The Psychotechnic League, Ensign Flandry, and Hoka, the universe’s only race of sentient teddy bears. He also wrote historical fantasy and non-fiction.
“The High Crusade” begins in the year of grace 1345, as minor English baron Sir Roger, Baron de Tourneville, is preparing an army in his small village of Ansby, in northern Lincolnshire, to help King Edward III in the war against France. But the universe has other plans.
One afternoon, shortly before the baron is ready to leave for France, a spaceship lands in the village, all silver and shiny. The Wersgorix have a long, successful history of taking over other planets, and Earth should be no problem; a bunch of backwards peasants with no advanced technology. But then again, the Wersgorix have never met free Englishmen. Before they know it, the entire village of Ansby has been launched to the stars.
What follows is not only a classic of science fiction, but of humor and farce. I’ve already said too much, but I haven’t given it all away.
Anderson’s knowledge of physics and other sciences gave him the resources to create an impossible situation and make it believable. Another of the book’s strong points is that the story is told by a 14th-century friar, and that’s the language used. The slash-and-burn method of world-conquering used by the Wersgorix is nothing compared to politicking, coalition-building, and downright connivery of the good baron. It’s a brisk adventure with few dull moments. Though not what some would term as “hard science fiction,” it’s still pure sci-fi.
As you read, you know it’s impossible, but your disbelief is completely suspended and you buy it all, hook, line, and sinker, even the O. Henry-esque ending.
The 50th anniversary edition of “The High Crusade” is complemented with a new forward by Anderson’s daughter, Astrid Anderson Bear, and appreciations from his son-in-law, author Greg Bear, as well as other luminary sci-fi writers, including David Drake, Eric Flint, and Robert Silverberg. And for good measure, the publishers have included Anderson’s short story “The Quest” at the end of the novel, also set in the universe of Baron de Tourneville and the Wersgorix. Once again, it stays in the original language, and is equally funny.
This is a glorious, humorous, and exciting romp across the universe, a universe that isn’t ready for free Englishmen on a crusade (after all, they didn’t get to use their new spaceship to help free the Holy Land). “The High Crusade” is definitely a keeper, and worth your time. Enjoy mightily.
