World of the Mad by Poul Anderson
The novel explores a world where madness has become a dominant force, and rational thought is suppressed. The story follows a group of individuals who possess the ability to think clearly in a world that values chaos and irrationality. They must navigate this treacherous landscape while being hunted by those who seek to eliminate any perceived threats to their power.
By Poul Anderson · First published 1974 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Psychological Fiction · 9,206 words
First lines
He walked slowly through the curling purple mists, feeling the ground roll and quiver under his feet, hearing the deep-voiced rumble of shifting strata far underground. There were voices in the fog, singing in high unhuman tones, and no man had ever learned what it was that sang -- for could the wind utter sounds so elfishly sweet, almost words that haunted you with half understanding of something you had forgotten and needed desperately to remember?
A face floated through the swirling mist. It was not human, but it was very beautiful, and it was blind. He looked away as it mouthed voiceless murmurs at him.
What this Textopian page supports
World of the Mad is listed on Textopian as a novel by Poul Anderson, dated 1974 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Poul Anderson
- Date: 1974 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Psychological Fiction, Adventure, Romance
- Length: 9,206 words
- Structure: 1 section, 190 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for World of the Mad by Poul Anderson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering World of the Mad?
- How does this novel by Poul Anderson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Out Of The Iron Womb by Poul Anderson
- Dark Dawn by Henry Kuttner
- The Secret Of Kralitz by Henry Kuttner
- What Hath Me by Henry Kuttner
- Inside Earth by Poul Anderson
- Where The World Is Quiet by Henry Kuttner
Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative explores advanced concepts of alien worlds, immortality, and the psychological effects of living in a radically different environment.
- Fantasy — The story features surreal elements, such as illusions and a mystical landscape that defies the laws of nature, creating a fantastical atmosphere.
- Psychological Fiction — The characters' mental states and emotional struggles are central to the plot, particularly the impact of the alien environment on their psyche.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey through the alien landscape and the challenges he faces contribute to an adventurous narrative.
Tags
Science Fiction · Fantasy · Alternate History · Alternate Reality · Parallel Universe · Time Travel · Adventure · Quest · Mythology · Folklore · Magic · Supernatural