The Anome

The Anome
First edition
AuthorJack Vance
LanguageEnglish
SeriesDurdane series
GenreScience fiction
PublisherDell Publishing
Publication date
1973
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint (Paperback)
Pages224
ISBN0-440-00441-1
OCLC62876242
Followed byThe Brave Free Men 

The Anome (alternative title: The Faceless Man) is a science fiction novel by American writer Jack Vance, first published in 1973 (copyright 1971); it is the first book in the Durdane series of novels.[1]

Plot summary

The Anome follows a young boy as he comes of age in the land of Shant, a fragmented society composed of diverse and often eccentric cantons – some ruled by cults. Every adult in Shant is required to wear an explosive collar or torc, which can be remotely detonated, causing instant death by decapitation. These torcs are controlled by a mysterious and anonymous ruler known only as the Anome. Although the Anome has absolute power over life and death, actual enforcement is largely delegated to local canton leaders, who decide who should be executed for breaking their laws. The Anome is able to govern with only a few aides, called 'Benevolences', none of whom know the ruler's true identity.

See also

  • Wedlock, a 1991 film featuring explosive collars.

References

  1. ^ Vance, Jack (July 12, 2018). The Anome. ISBN 978-0-575-10972-8.
  • Underwood, Tim; Chuck Miller (1980). Jack Vance. New York: Taplinger Publishing Company. pp. 227. ISBN 0-8008-4295-2.