/lit/ - Literature

I read Jack Vance's 1969 novel Emphyrio, a speculative fiction set on another world, where a society of artisans must produce beautiful handcrafted goods in return for a subsistence level stipend from a welfare state operated by overseer lords who live in towers above the city. Duplication and machine-working are punished by brutal rehabilitation.

The story concerns the rebellion of an idealistic young woodworker, Ghyl, who wishes to enlighten, escape, and change his society after being inspired by the incomplete tale of a mythical figure in a fragment of old parchment.

This book crams a lot of observations and big ideas into its two hundred pages. Broadly speaking, it's a coming-of-age story and an observation of the way societies are constructed by (objectively silly, but subjectively orthodox) assumptions, and how these are enforced by bureaucracy. By the treatment of its protagonist it also looks at the role of idealism and force of will in changing society.

This is less episodic than the Dying Earth books, with more character study, a protagonist to root for, and memorable supporting characters, along with picturesque scenes of a well fleshed-out city. The 'big' secret (conspiracy) at the heart of the book also keeps the pages turning. This book isn't flawless but I feel compelled to award this old book the full complement of five dinosaurs.