Ace Double 16640: The Dragon Masters/The Five Gold Bands by Jack Vance - SF Book

ACE DOUBLE 16640
THE DRAGON MASTERS & THE FIVE GOLD BANDS
by
JACK VANCE

1972 PAPERBACK EDITION

THE DRAGON MASTERS (Hugo Award Winner)

"SET A MONSTER TO CATCH A MONSTER

War between the Basics and man had been waged intermittently over a period of many decades.  Previous encounters had left each side with prisoners of the other species, and each had performed remarkable genetic experiments.

Thus, when they met again, transformed men were slaves to the lizardlike Basics, fighting their battles and transporting their weapons, while, on the other side, transformed Basics became dragons of all shapes and sizes, geared to fight the fearcest battle their human masters could plan.

The nearness of the red star Coralyne established the imminence of the next conflict.  Joaz Banbeck readied his war dragons to meet the attack.  For upon his success might rest the entire future of the race of man on his world."

THE FIVE GOLD BANDS

"HIDE-AND-GO-SEEK AMONG THE PLANETS

Five bracelets of solid gold - five clues that began an interstellar treasure hunt.  And, as the luck of the Irish would have it, Paddy Blackthorn found himself the chief hunter - and the chief hunted.

He had only the cryptic messages imprinted in the five armbands so involuntarily left him by the five planetary rulers.  He had also the help of a little, black-haired Earther girl to figure out their secrets.

But it was no child's game they were playing.  Old Mother Earth, now abandoned by her spawn, foundered on the verge of extinction.  Only the treasure Paddy sought would suffice to rescue the home planet - and, incidentally, to rule the rest of the cosmos."

Published in tete-bech format (two novels printed back to back), this paperback book is in good vintage condition, with minimal signs of wear.  Please judge from the pictures.