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Use of Weapons or Excession, IMO.

agreed re: consider phlebas. i'd agree with your choice of starting points -- player of games is probably the best way to understand what the culture is in contrast with other cultures in one book. definitely leave inversions for after you've read three other books, imo, as it's quite subtle.

Yeah, Player of Games is the most detailed portrayal of the "the Culture" and everyday life in the Culture Series. Also interesting use of soft power to destroy another civilization.