And Chaos Died

infobox Book |
name = And Chaos Died


image_caption = Cover of 1970 Ace Books
first edition
author = Joanna Russ
country = United States
language = English
genre = Science fiction novel
publisher = Ace Books
release_date = 1970
media_type = Print (Hardcover and Paperback)
pages = 189 pp
isbn = ISBN 0-425-04135-2 (1979 edition)

"And Chaos Died" (1970) is a science fiction novel by Joanna Russ, perhaps the genre's best-known feminist author. [See, "e.g.," cite web
url = http://feministsf.org/reviews/russ.j.html
title = Reviews: Joanna Russ
date = 1996-05-28
accessdate = 2006-01-10] Its setting is a dystopian projection of modern society, in which Earth's population has continued to grow, with the effects somewhat mitigated by advanced technology. The novel was nominated for, but did not win, the 1970 Nebula Award. [cite web
title = Nebula Award information page
url = http://www.awardannals.com/detail/15409/
accessdate = 2006-01-10]

Plot introduction

On the grossly-overpopulated planet, remnants of "nature" exist only in the isolated areas not covered by housing, industry and industrial farming. Creativity and individuality are suppressed and channeled into rigid social formats. A powerful bureaucracy/police state oversees the acts of all citizens. Its purpose is to maintain control for the planetary elite, and to that end it is prepared to resort to any method, however ruthless.

In contrast to all this, the author introduces another planet on which human development has followed a diametrically opposite path: the natural world is respected; population is limited; and each individual is encouraged to develop uniquely. On this other world, human beings are known to be basically "spiritual", and immortal in nature. Telepathy and telekinesis are developed as much and as rapidly as possible.

As the narrative progresses, a confrontation develops between these different systems.

Notes and references

* Samuel R. Delaney, [http://www.depauw.edu/sfs/reviews_pages/r19.htm The Order of "Chaos"] (review), in "Science Fiction Studies" 6, 3 (November 1979).
* [http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/r/joanna-russ/and-chaos-died.htm "And Chaos Died" at Fantastic Fiction]

External links

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