In the Ziode Cluster, tailoring is a mundane occupation that ensures Peder Forbath remains a man of slender means, insignificant to the rest of society. But in Caen, a neighbouring galactic spiral arm, clothes are more than mere vestments, they are a way of life, encompassing not only a human being's philosophy but expanding his supernormal potential to boot. While the garments of Caen are illegal in the conservative Ziode, Forbath longs to elevate tailoring to its highest potential and become known as a Sartorial, the designation tailors enjoy in the culture next door. Falling in with foppish liqueur-sipping chancer Realto Maast, Forbath participates in an illegal salvage mission on a frontier planet, raiding a wrecked cargo ship which contains a stash of Caenic couture that the duo will fence on the black market. But unknown to the villainous Maast, Peder has kept the prize of the haul for himself, a legendary Franchonard suit, one of only five in existence, much prized even in voguish Caen. Soon Forbath finds his personality and fortunes transformed by his enigmatic garb, but Maast has learned of the deception and initiates a pursuit that leads to a galactic odyssey in which the clothes really do make the man.

Colorful, fast-moving and witty, The Garments of Caen is typical of Barry Bayley's inventive approach to traditional SF. With engaging characters and a vivid prose style that has an affinity with that of Alfred Bester, M. John Harrison and his friend Michael Moorcock, Bayley is one of the most vital and entertaining of British writers, tackling perennial subjects such as space opera, time travel, robots and aliens in a refreshing manner that leaves the majority of genre SF authors standing. Although the book we've selected here is one of his most playful works, Bayley is equally at home with darker themes due to his affiliations with the Brtish New Wave. We strongly recommend his novels to jaded readers looking for surprising takes on themes other writers have worn thin with overuse.

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