The King of the City

Illustrated by Virgil Finlay

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"The King of the City" by Keith Laumer is a science fiction novel written during the early 1960s. The story unfolds in a dystopian urban landscape marked by lawlessness and violence, focusing on the protagonist, a former military man, who seeks to navigate this perilous environment as he attempts to uncover vital information. The narrative explores themes of survival, betrayal, and power dynamics within a crumbling society. In the book, the main character finds himself in a dangerous city where armed escorts are necessary to traverse the treacherous streets. He takes a job escorting a mysterious businessman named Stenn, who has his own hidden agenda. As they traverse the city, they face various threats, including gangs and corrupt officials. Tension escalates as the protagonist learns that Stenn has ulterior motives tied to past military secrets, and the duo must navigate not just the physical dangers of the city, but also the complicated web of loyalty and deception. Ultimately, the story culminates in a revelation of broader conspiracies and the potential for redemption in a world ruled by criminal kingpins.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.