Hard to Be a God

The novel centers around Don Rumata, a man sent to the medieval kingdom of Arkanar to observe and intervene without directly intervening. Disguised as a nobleman, a dueler, and a brawler, but with an unwavering sense of doubt and compassion, he must navigate the kingdom's politics and save it from Don Reba, the first minister to the king. Considered one of the greatest works of Soviet-era science fiction, this long overdue translation captures the brilliance of the Strugatsky's remarkable writing.