The story is written tongue-in-cheek, placing entertainment over credibility. Yet, it is not so incredible as to become a farce. Humour aside, the story neatly shows how little human society changes, no matter how technologically advanced we become. Although written with a light touch, and tremendous fun throughout, the story avoids becoming a running joke. Instead it presents an insight as to the destruction that a well disciplined and determined inferior force can achieve against a technologically superior foe. An obvious parallel being the Vietnam War. Not that there are many overt political messages here. Overall, the story is weaker than Anderson's better known work, Three Hearts and Three Lions, and pales into insignificance when compared to his masterpiece, The Broken Sword. But, that said, The High Crusade presents well crafted characters, who remain interesting throughout, and an engaging story. Only at the end does the author slip in a deeper, more thought-provoking perspective, via the visit of an earthly ambassador. Who that is and what his position implies, is something that other authors took decades longer to address.

The High Crusade is, first and foremost, a rollicking good read, aimed at younger readers, yet containing more than enough style and subtlety to entice and hold the attention of older readers, too. It's not quite a classic, but it did show the way for an entire genre. As both a stand-alone work, and an example of Poul Anderson's creative wit, it's well worth adding to any collection.