Outer-space service officer Bordman uses incredible knowledge and skill to make the star-flung outposts of civilization ready to receive new, vast surges of humanity, as mankind prepares to colonize the galaxy. A vast tale of interplanetary exploration, as Bordman visits Lani III—a glacier-land warmed by man, Xosa II—a shining desert made green by human ingenuity, and Loren II—an inferno of beasts, tamed by human science and daring. One of the classics of 1950s science fiction, featuring an introduction by John Betancourt.

Murray Leinster is widely acknowledged by fans as the "Dean of Science Fiction" and even as "Mr. Science Fiction." LIFE has reported that he reads more technical literature than most research scientists. He is also a successful inventor in his own right.