"Sheridan Derwydd" means "Wild man Oak". Sheridan is a very intelligent guy, with a brilliant sister, an intoxicatingly beautiful and equally intelligent girlfriend, and a sort of psycho-hedonist.

Put it this way, this is a quote from the book:

"I'm a sociologist."

"Oh, I am sorry. How awful. Does it hurt?"

Don't say you weren't warned. Sheridan and friends delve into Martian epidemics, consultant ants, the history of poverty, fungal plagues, dinosaurs.... Oh, yeah, and finding somewhere else for humanity to live, what with the Sun suddenly starting to burn helium and all..... And not being particularly human. Pretty much your basic chat show format.