Retief of the Red-Tape Mountain
Retief of the Red-Tape Mountain is a science fiction novel by Keith Laumer. It is the first book in the Retief series. The novel follows the adventures of Retief, a diplomat from the planet Groac. Retief is sent to the planet of Red-Tape Mountain, a planet where bureaucracy has become so entrenched that it has become a way of life. Retief must navigate the complex bureaucracy of the planet in order to complete his mission. Along the way, he encounters a variety of strange and dangerous creatures, as well as a variety of colorful characters. Retief must use his wits and diplomatic skills to survive the planet's many dangers and complete his mission. Along the way, he discovers the truth behind the planet's mysterious bureaucracy and the secrets it holds. The novel is a humorous and exciting adventure story, filled with action, humor, and political satire. It is a classic of science fiction and a must-read for fans of the genre.
By Keith Laumer · First published 1962 · Genre: Science Fiction, Humor, Adventure · 4 chapters · 7,042 words
First lines
Retief knew the importance of sealed orders -- and the need to keep them that way!
"It's true," Consul Passwyn said, "I requested assignment as principal officer at a small post. But I had in mind one of those charming resort worlds, with only an occasional visa problem, or perhaps a distressed spaceman or two a year. Instead, I'm zoo-keeper to these confounded settlers. And not for one world, mind you, but eight!" He stared glumly at Vice-Consul Retief.
What this Textopian page supports
Retief of the Red-Tape Mountain is listed on Textopian as a novel by Keith Laumer, dated 1962 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Keith Laumer
- Date: 1962 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Humor, Adventure, Fantasy
- Length: 7,042 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 215 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Retief of the Red-Tape Mountain by Keith Laumer
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Retief of the Red-Tape Mountain?
- How does this novel by Keith Laumer fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Aide Memoire by Keith Laumer
- The Desert And The Stars by Keith Laumer
- Cultural Exchange by Keith Laumer
- The Frozen Planet by Keith Laumer
- The Madman From Earth by Keith Laumer
- A Guest Of Ganymede by C. C. Macapp
Genres
- Science Fiction — The book is set in a futuristic universe and follows the adventures of Retief, a diplomat from the planet Bloor, as he navigates the bureaucracy of the Red-Tape Mountain.
- Humor — The book is known for its humorous take on bureaucracy and its satirical elements.
- Adventure — The book follows Retief as he embarks on a series of adventures and encounters various obstacles and challenges.
- Fantasy — The book features a variety of fantastical elements, such as aliens, intergalactic travel, and magical creatures.
Tags
Diplomats · Fiction · Human-alien encounters · Life on other planets · Retief (Fictitious character) · Science fiction · Short stories · Space colonies · alien · alien encounters · around · back