The Algebraist

The Algebraist (ISBN 1-841-49155-1 (UK)/ ISBN 1-59780-026-0 (US)) is a non-Culture science fiction novel by Iain M. Banks, published in the United Kingdom by Orbit (an imprint of Time Warner) on October 4, 2004. The novel was nominated for a Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2005.

Related Topics:
Culture - Science fiction - Novel - Iain M. Banks - United Kingdom - Time Warner - October 4 - 2004 - Hugo Award for Best Novel - 2005

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The book will be published in the United States by Night Shade Books (an independent, West Coast based publisher) in September 2005.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Set in a 4034AD where mankind has spread through the galaxy, it centres around the human Fassin Taak, a Slow Seer at the Court of the Nasqueron Dwellers, an alien species who live around a gas giant on the far reaches of the galaxy, cut off from the rest of civilisation until its wormhole connection is rebuilt.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Containing a number of similarities to Bank's previous science fiction novels, it reads like a Culture novel in reverse as it is told from the point of view of a civilisation lower down the path of technological and social progress. It follows the interaction between predominantly human civilisations which can broadly be described as feudal and the Nasqueron Dweller aliens. The Nasqueron Dwellers are a hyper advanced (and ancient) post-civilisation who lead an almost anarchic existence, based on kudos. This civilization is defended from exceptional threats by a largely secret defence 'club' that operate totally effective defensive machinery when attacked (reminiscient of the AI cabals some Culture novels such as Excession).

Related Topics:
Science fiction - Culture - Feudal - Anarchic - Excession

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The central theme of the Culture novels - interference by 'progressive' societies in more 'primitive' societies - is explored here too, as is the influence of interstellar travel mechanisms in shaping space faring civilisations. The central mystery of the book is related to the latter theme; the search for the algebraic equation that would locate the Dwellers' secret interstellar portals, is the driving force of the narrative.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~