Palos of the Dog Star Pack is a science fiction novel by John Ulrich Giesy

John Ulrich Giesy

John Ulrich Giesy born 6 August 1877 near Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, USA, was an American physician, novelist and author. He was one of the early writers in the Sword and Planet genre, with his Jason Croft series. He collaborated with Junius B...

. It was first published in book form in 1965

1965 in literature

The year 1965 in literature involved some significant events and new books.-New books:*Lloyd Alexander - The Black Cauldron*J. G. Ballard - The Drought*Ray Bradbury - The Vintage Bradbury*John Brunner...

 by Avalon Books

Avalon Books

Avalon Books was a New York-based specialty science fiction publisher active from the mid 1950s through the late 1960s. It issued much of the hardcover material in the genre during the period, particularly in the earlier portion...

. The novel was originally serialized in five parts in the magazine All-Story Weekly beginning in July, 1918.

Plot introduction

Set on the planet Palos, the novel concerns Jason Croft, a wealthy American who has learned the art of astral projection from a Hindu teacher. Croft feels an unusual calling to Sirius, the Dog Star, and projects his consciousness there, eventually finding his way to the major planet of the solar system, Palos. Once there, Croft finds human life, and floats among them observing their lives. He falls in love at first sight with the princess Naia, and determines to win her love. He eventually finds a host body in the form of the "spiritually sick" Jasor of Nodhur. Within Jasor's body, Croft sets out to win the love of the princess, by introducing technological improvements to the rulers of her kingdom, Tamarizia. Because of the knowledge gained by astrally spying upon key figures and places on Palos, the people view him as an "angel" of sorts, sent by their deity Zitu. Croft uses this misunderstanding to explain his knowledge of advanced technology.

Publication history

• 1918, USA, All-Story Weekly, Pub date July, 1918, magazine serialization in 5 parts
• 1965, USA, Avalon Books
  Avalon Books
  Avalon Books was a New York-based specialty science fiction publisher active from the mid 1950s through the late 1960s. It issued much of the hardcover material in the genre during the period, particularly in the earlier portion...
  
  , Pub date 1965, Hardback, first book publication