Come, Hunt an Earthman by Philip E. High


This is a 1970s pulp science fiction romp with an engaging premise but less-than-believable characters. It is told in plain language and presents unambiguous views on morality through stereotypical heroes and villains, focusing on a seemingly endless series of conflicts between alien and human military technology in which the underdog predictably comes out on top in the end.

Somewhere along the way it makes a strained foray into the philosophy of our place in the universe, but to the end remains incautiously optimistic about the capabilities, ingenuity, and integrity of humankind.

Although the book is reasonably well written and may be of interest to readers who revel in imaginatively destructive fictitious technologies, those who prefer character-driven novels and more contemplative content could find it becoming tedious before they are halfway through.
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