This book includes two early novels by Jack Vance - “Gold and Iron. (Slaves of Klaw)" (1952) and "Clarges. (Live Forever)" (1956).

Gold and Iron (Slaves of the Klaw):

Roy Barch, the first Earthling captured by the Klaw slavers and sent to the planet Magarak, was supposed to solve a problem of superhuman complexity - find a way to return to Earth and warn people about the cosmic threat. Otherwise, the entire population of his home planet could soon be enslaved by aliens.

Klarges (Live Forever):

Gavin Kudeyar carefully hid his past. But he met Jacinta's amaranth and soon realized that his new friend's wisdom, in no way consistent with her obvious youth, allowed her to see right through him - therefore, she had to die. For Jacinta, death was just a temporary nuisance, but after her resurrection, Gavin Cudeyar's existence turned into an endless hell!