Hard to Be a God

In the distant future, Earth’s inhabitants help less developed civilizations overcome difficult stages of evolution. Anton, an employee of the Institute of History, travels to the medieval world of Arkanar to rescue scientists capable of advancing its progress. To complete his mission, he must assume the identity of Don Rumata of Estor — a wealthy nobleman who enjoys fighting, drinking, and women. The main rule for progressors is not to interfere directly with the natural course of history, offering only subtle support to the few enlightened individuals who might otherwise perish. But Anton has a personal motive he hides from the Institute: somewhere in Arkanar, his father has disappeared without a trace.