This book in the Dying Earth series follows the adventures of Cugel, who was first introduced to us in The Eyes of the Overworld. Cugel’s a likeable trickster-figure – he’ll do anything to advance his way, make him money, or get him the girl.
But the real star of this book (really, the whole series) is Vance’s writing. These books are gorgeously written. You get the most incredible sense of place from this far future world of ours. And his imagination is incredible. I really do think any fan of science fiction or fantasy should read these – they’re amazing books.