The city of gold and lead.

No cover — John Christopher: The city of gold and lead. (Undetermined language, 1967, Hamish Hamilton)

Undetermined language

Published Dec. 29, 1967 by Hamish Hamilton.

(1 review)

The City of Gold and Lead ~ John Christopher/Samuel Youd

From the back of Collier Books published copy of this book:

Will, Beanpole, and Henry have managed to escape the Tripods. But instead of living in safety, in the small Swiss community of free people, they have chosen to embark upon a mission that may yet again cost them their lives.

Each year, a series of Games is held in Germany. Those who win the competitions win the honor to serve the Tripods. Those who are Capped consider this the highest honor. And those who are free know that it is an ideal opportunity to infiltrate the City – and, perhaps free the world.

“The writing has pace, the plot is successful, and the setting is filled with exotic charm and horror.” ~ Saturday Review

“John Christopher has taken the measure of science fiction.” ~ New York Times Book Review …

The City of Gold and Lead ~ John Christopher/Samuel Youd

From the back of Collier Books published copy of this book:

Will, Beanpole, and Henry have managed to escape the Tripods. But instead of living in safety, in the small Swiss community of free people, they have chosen to embark upon a mission that may yet again cost them their lives.

Each year, a series of Games is held in Germany. Those who win the competitions win the honor to serve the Tripods. Those who are Capped consider this the highest honor. And those who are free know that it is an ideal opportunity to infiltrate the City – and, perhaps free the world.

“The writing has pace, the plot is successful, and the setting is filled with exotic charm and horror.” ~ Saturday Review

“John Christopher has taken the measure of science fiction.” ~ New York Times Book Review

Other Books in the Tripod Trilogy: The White Mountains The Pool of Fire

When the Tripods Came

26 editions

Thom reviewed The city of gold and lead by John Christopher (Tripods (2))

Review of 'The city of gold and lead' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Picked up where the first book left off, and leaves things for a final book. That said, this is a solid middle-of-the-trilogy entry, better than the first book. We learn about the aliens, and Will learns more about himself. Finished this on the plane, then started (and finished) the third and final book.

The aliens Christopher has created are well detailed. While the initial idea of a tripod came from HG Wells, the physiology is developed (and believable) by this author. We get a glimpse of their world also, from heavier gravity to greenish (toxic) atmosphere. And the hint that this is all coming soon to a conquered planet near you!