Perhaps the biggest problem de Camp faces in the writing of Lest Darkness Fall is making all of his scholarship readable. He does this in two principal ways: humor and the subor dination of details to the plot. De Camp lightens his story with humorous situations and witticisms that highlight the incongruities of Padway's innovations in an ancient society. For instance, when the Gothic nobility gathers for the solemn occasion of electing a new king to replace the insane Thiudahad, Padway introduces Americanstyle electioneering. Florence is covered with posters declaring "Vote for Urias the people's choice! Lower taxes!

Bigger public works! Security for the aged! Efficient government!" Padway tops off his efforts on behalf of Urias with a free barbecue for the electors.

His other innovations also use the basic premise of the novel for humor.

For instance, his Rome newspaper introduces the concept of advertising with: "Do...