Book excerpt: Seven previously published pieces pertaining to the science fiction of American author Jack Vance, and his voyages around the world. Topics include the curious linkages between some of Vance's novels into a sort of "Future History;" an examination of a Vancean "hard sf" novel; a look at his various globe-trotting excursions and what he wrote while out on each one; and further delvings into the methods he employed to create such memorable fiction.