Album Notes

The novels that make up Gordon R. Dickson's Childe Cycle paint an epic picture of the separation of humanity into various "Splinter Cultures" and their eventual reunification into a more evolved and ethical race. By far, the best known of the Splinter Cultures is that of the Dorsai. Indeed, the Childe Cycle is commonly called "the Dorsai series".

The Dorsaid planet proved to be lacking in metals and other important natural resources. To earn credit to trade for the necessities they lacked, many of its inhabitants took work as mercenary soldiers in the service of other worlds. In time, the Dorsai became the finest soldiers in the galaxy.

The phrase, "Shai Dorsai!" ("real" or "true Dorsai"), is a salute to those who embody the Dorsai ideal of the ethical warrior, willing to pay with his life to buy freedom for his people.

Songs have been written about the Dorsai and the Childe Cycle since its inception. Dickson himself wrote "Jacques Chretien", "Soldier, Ask Not", and the opening lines of "Stone Are My Walls". This album is a collection of exceptional performances of some of the best Dorsai songs. Listen and learn the true meaning of "Shai Dorsai!".