“The Mote In God’s Eye.”
Great book, still one of my favorite alien names for a scientific concept - “The Crazy Eddie Point!”
Yes, it is a great book. And the aliens and their culture are so well thought out, and well presented. I haven’t gone to the bookstore yet for the sequel, “The Gripping Hand.”
Have not read this whole thread but have not seen Jack Vance’s “Dragon Masters” mentioned. It’s a bit more Scifi than the title suggest’s and could be made into a good movie with todays special effects. Also has a set of characters that Hollywood would love to cast.