The Best of Jack Vance , has no date of first English publication. But the author's prologue and the reference to Cele Goldsmith indicates that it was probably during the mid 50s. The story deals with the symbolism we use as human beings to relate to our fellow creatures, and in particular the importance attached to our external appearance, which obliges us to change by cosmetic means those features of our faces which are socially negative, in favour of something which emphasizes our qualities and positive virtues. The author tells us that, though our face is the most punished when it comes to cosmetic fixes , and despite the time and money invested in this activity, the human eye is still capable of differentiating the authentic from the artificial. This problem generates a considerable emotional burden, and a reduction in prestige for those persons of superior quality and virtue, but who are afflicted with faces that do not accord with these.
Slaves wear black masks with painted fringes.
Those of upper ranks wear complex, elaborate, and beautiful masks, like The Conquering Sea Dragon - used only by heros and personages of high prestige. The formalities of verbal communication are a recurring theme with the author. These are also formalized for each situation. There is, for example, the kiv . This instrument is used only during casual conversations with persons of strakh similar or below your own.