The Man Who Played to Lose

The Man Who Played to Lose is a science fiction novel by Laurence M. Janifer, written in the early 1960s. Set on the alien planet Wohlen, it explores themes of guerrilla warfare, political instability, and the complexities of leadership in a democratic context. The story follows Ephraim Carboy as he navigates a civil war between the established government and guerrilla forces led by William F. Sergeant, ultimately leading to a costly military victory that questions the efficacy of democracy in times of crisis.