''Ecce and Old Earth'' is a 1991

science fiction Science fiction (often shortened to sci-fi or abbreviated SF) is a genre of speculative fiction that deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts. These concepts may include information technology and robotics, biological manipulations, space ...

novel by American writer

Jack Vance John Holbrook Vance (August 28, 1916 – May 26, 2013) was an American mystery, fantasy, and science fiction writer. He also wrote several mystery novels under pen names, including Ellery Queen. Vance won the World Fantasy Award for Life Ach ...

, the second novel in the

Cadwal Chronicles The Cadwal Chronicles are a trilogy of science fiction novels by American writer Jack Vance set in his ''Gaean Reach'' fictional universe. The three novels are called '' Araminta Station'' (1987), '' Ecce and Old Earth'' (1991) and '' Throy'' (19 ...

trilogy A trilogy is a set of three distinct works that are connected and can be seen either as a single work or as three individual works. They are commonly found in literature, film, and video games. Three-part works that are considered components of ...

, set in Vance's

Gaean Reach The Gaean Reach is a fictional region in space that is a setting for science fiction stories written by Jack Vance. Those of his works that are set in a universe evidently including the Gaean Reach, whether within it or near it, have been catalogue ...

. It follows ''

Araminta Station ''Araminta Station'' is a 1987 science fiction novel by the American writer Jack Vance. It is the first part of the ''Cadwal Chronicles'', a trilogy set in the Gaean Reach, the other two novels being '' Ecce and Old Earth'' (1991) and ''Throy' ...

'' (1987) and precedes ''

Throy · ''Throy'' is a 1992 science fiction novel by American writer Jack Vance, the final work in the Cadwal Chronicles, a trilogy set in Vance's Gaean Reach The Gaean Reach is a fictional region in space that is a setting for science fiction storie ...

'' (1992).

Plot summary

Glawen Clattuc has learned that his father, Scharde, is being held prisoner by an old personal enemy, Smonny Clattuc. Scharde and others who have earned Smonny's wrath are trapped on the unsettled continent of Ecce, which is teeming with very dangerous animals. Glawen rescues Scharde, Eustace Chilke and another prisoner who proves to be a treasure trove of very important information. Bureau B, the security arm of the Conservancy government, then liberates the rest of the inmates. Meanwhile, Wayness Tamm (Glawen's romantic interest) is busy trying to track down the all-important missing Charter, which confers ownership of the planet Cadwal. The trail leads from Earth to various other planets. She is not alone on this quest however; two factions working to overthrow the Conservancy also seek the document and will go to any lengths to secure it. Glawen eventually discovers that her letters to him have been intercepted, and sets out after her.

External links

* {{Jack Vance 1991 American novels 1991 science fiction novels American science fiction novels Novels by Jack Vance Novels set on fictional planets