How to Read the LaNague Federation Series
F. Paul Wilson's LaNague Federation series is a classic of libertarian science fiction and space opera. Spanning a fictional timeline of roughly a thousand years, the saga charts the fall of the authoritarian Outworld Imperium, the rise of a decentralized interstellar federation, and the adventures of the immortal protagonist Steven Dalt (along with his alien symbiote, Pard). Because the books were written out of chronological sequence, readers have two primary ways to approach the series: the chronological narrative flow (as organized in the definitive omnibus collection) or the original publication order.
The Definitive Chronological Order
In 2013, the omnibus collection The Complete LaNague was released, arranging all five novels and five key short stories in chronological sequence. Reading the series in this order allows you to watch the political and social landscape of the galaxy evolve naturally from a corrupt empire to a free federation, and finally to its far-future eras. Here is the chronological path:
- "Lipidleggin'" (Short Story) – A satirical look at a future where high-fat foods are illegal, setting the libertarian tone of the universe.
- An Enemy of the State (Novel, 1980) – The foundational novel of the revolution. It follows Peter LaNague as he uses economic sabotage to overthrow the Outworld Imperium.
- Dydeetown World (Novel, 1989) – A cyberpunk noir detective story set on a highly regulated, dystopian Earth long after the colonization of the outworlds.
- The Tery (Novel, 1982/1990) – A poignant story set on a regressed colony planet, focusing on a telepathic mutant fleeing religious persecution.
- "To Fill the Sea and Air" (Short Story) – A tale exploring early interstellar expansion.
- "The Man with the Anteater" (Short Story) – A character study set during the expansion era.
- "Higher Centers" (Short Story) – A short piece dealing with psychological control and brain alterations.
- Wheels Within Wheels (Novel, 1978) – Set in the established Federation, following a family of planners uncovering a corporate conspiracy to centralize power.
- "Ratman" (Short Story) – A story about pet therapists who use genetically altered creatures to treat emotional issues.
- Healer (Novel, 1976) – The final chronological chapter, following Steven Dalt, who is fused with the immortal alien entity Pard, as he protects humanity across centuries.
The Original Publication Order
If you prefer to see how F. Paul Wilson originally developed this universe, you can read the books in the order they were written and published. This sequence starts with the immortal healer Steven Dalt and later backtracks to explain how the Federation he inhabits came to be. The publication order of the novels is:
- Healer (1976)
- Wheels Within Wheels (1978)
- An Enemy of the State (1980)
- The Tery (1982 as a novella, expanded to a novel in 1990)
- Dydeetown World (1989)
The Core Trilogy vs. The Expanded Universe
The LaNague Federation series is effectively divided into a core trilogy and several peripheral works that flesh out the shared universe. Understanding these divisions helps you decide which book to pick up next.
The Core LaNague Trilogy
The narrative spine of the series consists of three books: An Enemy of the State, Wheels Within Wheels, and Healer. These three novels were compiled in the 1992 omnibus The LaNague Chronicles. An Enemy of the State acts as the historical anchor, detailing the birth of the Federation. Wheels Within Wheels serves as the middle chapter, exploring the political challenges of maintaining a stateless society. Healer wraps up the core arc, showing the long-term destiny of humanity through the eyes of its immortal protector.
The Outer Stories
The remaining two novels, Dydeetown World and The Tery, are standalones that take place in the same universe but feature different settings and tones. Dydeetown World is a noir detective story featuring investigator Sigmund Lutz, set on an Earth that has become a backwater compared to the thriving Outworld planets. The Tery is closer to science-fantasy, dealing with mutation, prejudice, and human dignity on a devolved world.
Practical Reader Advice
Where is the best place to start?
For most readers, the best starting point is An Enemy of the State. Although it was the third novel published, it provides the essential political and historical background of the LaNague Federation. Understanding Peter LaNague's rebellion makes the setting of the subsequent novels much easier to digest. However, if you prefer starting with a fast-paced, character-driven adventure, Healer is an excellent alternative that introduces the series' most famous protagonist, Steven Dalt.
Can the books be read as standalones?
Yes. F. Paul Wilson designed each novel to function as a self-contained story with its own conclusion. You do not need to worry about cliffhangers. The connections between the books are environmental and historical rather than plot-driven, meaning you can read them out of order without losing track of the individual story arcs.
What is the tone of the series?
The series blends standard space opera elements—such as faster-than-light travel, alien symbiotes, and colonized worlds—with heavy political philosophy and economic intrigue. The early novels, particularly An Enemy of the State, are explicitly libertarian, focusing on the mechanics of non-violent resistance, currency competition, and individual rights. Later books shift toward personal identity, survival, and detective noir.
Awards and Recognition
The LaNague Federation series is highly regarded in libertarian science fiction circles. Wheels Within Wheels won the inaugural Prometheus Award in 1979. Both Healer and An Enemy of the State have been inducted into the Prometheus Hall of Fame, and the short story "Lipidleggin'" received the same honor in 2021.