Hammer's Slammers series (or the Hammerverse, Slammerverse, Slammers universe, Hammer universe) is a setting for a series of military science fiction short stories and novels by author David Drake. The series follows the career of a future mercenary tank regiment called Hammer's Slammers, after their leader, Colonel Alois Hammer. The series begun with the short story collection Hammer's Slammers (1979), with the latest installment a short story published in 2015. A tabletop wargame and a roleplaying game set in Hammerverse universe have also been published.
Short essays in Hammer's Slammers provide details of the political, social, economic, and technological conditions in the Hammerverse.
The series
The series began with short stories which were published at Galaxy magazine (edited by Jim Baen), beginning with ‘Under the Hammer’ (October 1974). They were later released in the form of short stories anthologies, with Drake also writing novels set in the universe.
Anthologies and novels
Hammer's Slammers (1979): The initial collection of stories. Includes the creation of the Slammers as a mercenary unit, shows several of its campaigns, and the end of its independent existence when Colonel Hammer becomes the ruler of his native world, Friesland. At Any Price (1985): A study in command and cultural conflict. The Slammers must aid a human community in a fight with aliens who can teleport. Counting the Cost (1987): The Slammers become involved in an internal dispute among their employers. Based on the Nika riots, with Slammers Captain Tyl Koopman in the role of Belisarius. Rolling Hot (1989): A pick-up Slammers unit, Task Force Ranson, must make a rapid combat march to relieve the capital city which is under threat. Based loosely on the events of the Tet offensive, according to Drake's comments. The Warrior (1991): A rivalry between two of the Slammers, who have very different ideas of what it means to be a warrior. One of them, Slick Des Grieux, is based on the classical character of Achilles. The Sharp End (1993): A survey team from the Slammers is looking for work for the regiment. This book is set after Colonel Hammer has become President Hammer; Hammer's Regiment the 1st Friesian Defense Forces Regiment; and is based on Dashiell Hammett's Red Harvest. Paying the Piper (2002): Three novellas that follow a Slammers unit commander during a war between rival city states. The political situation is based on the war between Rhodes and Byzantium in the 3rd century BC
Drake has also published stories not yet collected in the above list: A Death in Peacetime ("Oceans of the Mind", Spring 2005). The Day of Glory ("Elemental, The Tsunami Relief Anthology", Tor Books, 2006). Also in The Complete Hammer's Slammers, volumes 1 and 2 respectively. In October 2015, Drake contributed a new Slammers story, "Save What You Can", to the tribute anthology Onward, Drake!.
Repackaged
The contents of the first five books of the main series were repackaged and republished, with some additional stories. Drake has said that this is his preferred order and edition.
The Tank Lords (1997) Caught In The Crossfire (1998) The Butcher's Bill (1998)
The Complete Hammer's Slammers (2006) is a three volume set from Night Shade Books that contains all Hammer's Slammers fiction, including three new stories written for this set. Volume 1 was released in January 2006, and features an introduction by Gene Wolfe. Volume 2 (introduction by David G Hartwell) was released January 2007, with Volume 3 (introduction by Barry N. Malzberg) following in November 2007.
Volume 1 contains: Hammer's Slammers (collection), “Code-Name Feirefitz”, “The Interrogation Team”, “The Tank Lords”, “Liberty Port”, “Night March”, “The Immovable Object”, “The Irresistible Force”, “A Death in Peacetime” (short stories) Volume 2 contains: At Any Price, Counting the Cost, Rolling Hot, The Warrior, “The Day of Glory” (short story) Volume 3 contains: The Sharp End, Paying the Piper, “The Darkness” (short story), “Jim” (short story)
Related works
These are works set in the Slammers universe, and involving members of the Slammers, or former members, but not directly featuring the Slammers as an organization.
Cross the Stars (1984): A retelling of the Odyssey, with former Slammers Captain Don "Mad Dog" Slade in the role of Odysseus. The Voyage (1993): A retelling of the Voyage of the Argonauts.