Mike Basinger asked about traveller-like novels. Good idea.
Although the technology was not identical, The novel "Glory Road"
by Melissa Scott had a definite traveller feel.
Also (of course) the Hammer series by David Drake beginning with
"Hammers Slammers" and going on to less memorable titles-perfect
for someone needing inspiration for a mercenary-type campaign. Don't
look for a complex plot in these though.
There were a pair of novels, one called "Insurrection", which gave a
great picture of a large scale empire ("democracy") tearing itself
apart. As I recall the fringe worlders were rebelling against the
central-worlders control of the government. Not a lot of small-party
level action, but great space battles (find out what a "spinal Mount"
missile is...), and one look at politics conducted across large amounts
of space. (I can't remember the other title or the author, sorry).
Asimov's Foundation Trilogy (and then some..) is a bit more cerebral
by comparison, but are great books.
There's my suggestions (opinions provided free of charge!).
- -Pete
"The opinions expressed certainly have nothing whatever to do with
the University of Chicago or the Department of Biochemistry (I just
work there and use their toys)."
Peter Brenton [email removed]