Bridges and Parallels: recurring topics in Keith Laumer's books (a brainstorm)

There is no reading goal for this particular event, but get prepared to talk about your favorite Keith Laumer's book — and possibly a few others.

In physics, there is a notion of a landscape: properties of the world being described that don't follow directly from the underlying theory but are essential to the application of it — a common example being exact interaction constant values. This meeting is dedicated to the landscape of Keith Laumer's works: not the major problems they touch, such as faith, freedom, humanity and history, but their geographic and cultural references, repeated plot turns and favorite expressive devices.

Is it accurate to say that the late WWII affected the geography of Imperium, or The Plague of Demons, to a significant extent? One can find the Norman and the Anglo-Saxon roots of the English-speaking world — and, eventually, of the American founding — in the Trace of Memory, Imperium, Night of the Trolls and, eventually, Dinosaur Beach. Another point of attraction is North Africa, possibly explained by the "chase of the Desert Fox". The events of Dinosaur Beach begin and end in Keith Laumer's home state, New York; does it signify or suggest the personal importance of the story?

Another (and more subtle) aspect of the landscape is the author's favorite plot turns. For example, a voyage through the sea (or an encounter in the middle of the sea) is a common topic of The Catastrophe Planet and The Plague of Demons — but is also the drama-setting moment in Dinosaur Beach (also, less directly, we can think of the seaside as an escape location in End as a Hero). Does the sea signify the element of chaos? We aren't aiming at providing a decisive answer (if one could exist) at this point, but any observation, however naive or silly, may prove fruitful in the future. Post your ideas in the comments!

The meeting is held online (via a Zoom video call). The meeting organizer will (most likely) be located in Marble Falls, TX. However, both the time and location (especially location) are open to negotiation. If you'd like to join us offline/in person, it might be possible; in this case, contact us.

The link for the meeting is https://zoom.us/j/5027419686?pwd=M3pHUXY0d2MveTk5dUVGbGVSdzE4Zz09
To join by phone, dial:
+1 669 900 6833 (meeting ID) 5027419686# (password) 979481