tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538502828554372917.post7318781062463459723..comments2024-03-28T07:57:49.338+00:00Comments on Poul Anderson Appreciation: WealthKetlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08588156788583883454noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538502828554372917.post-4491804912413990812017-05-04T17:11:50.923+01:002017-05-04T17:11:50.923+01:00Kaor, Paul!
While it was true that Old Nick did n...Kaor, Paul!<br /><br />While it was true that Old Nick did not NEED to accumulate even vaster wealth than what he already had by the time of SATAN'S WORLD, I think you missed an important point. It was the work, the effort of mind and skill, outwitting of rivals, even occasional danger, etc., in gaining that wealth which Old Nick enjoyed. We see mention of how, in his younger days, van Rijn personally explored, bargained, and traded among many worlds. And the pleasure that had given him.<br /><br />I think it's only fair to point out that Dominic Flandry also enjoyed playing poker, and probably, at least at times, for high stakes. But he also used poker for beneficial ends. In Chapter IV of A KNIGHT OF GHOSTS AND SHAWOWS, Chives (Flandry's non-human butler) recounted how, disapproving of how the workers at a mercury mine were treated, Flandry instigated a game of poker with the mine owner, with the mine and the slaves working there as the stakes. Flandry won, albeit Chives admitted he had cheated. Flandry arranged for repatriation of the workers, probably slaves whom he also manumitted. Chives he kept because he needed medical treatmeant (and after a while Chives chose to stay with Flandry). The mercury mine was probably sold to more responsible owners.<br /><br />SeanSean M. Brookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13973738112230622557noreply@blogger.com