Nicolas Van Rijn is a fat Dutchman who runs a Galaxy wide food and beverage corporation. Imagine Harry Mudd if he was actually as smart as he thinks he is. Van Rijn is trapped on a planet where the natives look like winged leopards and all the native plants are poison to humans. He’s got to talk his way through a war.
I would go with works by Jose Farmer and Roger Zelazny. The shortlist just reflects my personal favourites.
I actually haven’t read anything by Poul Anderson, although I am aware of his contributions. :)
War Of The Wingmen is a pretty good start.
Nicolas Van Rijn is a fat Dutchman who runs a Galaxy wide food and beverage corporation. Imagine Harry Mudd if he was actually as smart as he thinks he is. Van Rijn is trapped on a planet where the natives look like winged leopards and all the native plants are poison to humans. He’s got to talk his way through a war.