A tale of transcendence, Downward to the Earth is a remarkable novel from one of the most imaginative minds in science fiction.

Edmund Gunderson-former Terran governor of the colony world of Belzagor-returns eight years after the planet has gained independence, drawn back for reasons he can't quite explain. Things have changed significantly since he left, and he plays his part well-slightly pompous former government official-for the tourists he encounters on the way down.

But this is more than a simple sight-seeing visit. As Gunderson comes face-to-face with the consequences of his former attitudes and actions, he finds himself on a journey-both physical and spiritual-to the legendary mountain of rebirth.