Ecce and Old Earth
Second novel in Jack Vance's Cadwal Chronicles trilogy.
Ecce and Old Earth, a 1991 science fiction novel by American author Jack Vance, is the second book in the Cadwal Chronicles trilogy. The story takes place within Vance's Gaean Reach setting, coming after *Araminta Station* (1987) and before *Throy* (1992).
The plot follows Glawen Clattuc, who discovers that his father, Scharde, is imprisoned by an old personal enemy, Smonny Clattuc. Scharde and others who have angered Smonny are trapped on the dangerous, unsettled continent of Ecce, which is filled with lethal animals. Glawen rescues Scharde, Eustace Chilke, and another prisoner who possesses crucial information. Bureau B, the security branch of the Conservancy government, then frees the remaining captives.
Meanwhile, Glawen’s romantic interest, Wayness Tamm, searches for the missing Charter that grants ownership of the planet Cadwal. Her quest takes her from Earth to several other planets. Two factions seeking to overthrow the Conservancy are also after the document and will stop at nothing to obtain it. Glawen eventually realizes that Wayness’s letters to him have been intercepted, and he sets out to find her.
- Published
- 1991
- Author
- Jack Vance
- Nationality
- American
- Genre
- Science fiction
- Series
- Cadwal Chronicles
- Preceded by
- Araminta Station (1987)
- Followed by
- Throy (1992)
Lore & Background
The plot follows Glawen Clattuc, who learns 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.
Reader's Guide
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; 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.
Did You Know?
- Ecce and Old Earth is the second novel in the Cadwal Chronicles trilogy.
- The novel was published in 1991.
- The continent of Ecce is unsettled and teeming with very dangerous animals.
- Wayness Tamm seeks the missing Charter that confers ownership of the planet Cadwal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ecce and Old Earth?
It is a 1991 science fiction novel by Jack Vance that serves as the second installment in his Cadwal Chronicles trilogy. The story centers on a rescue mission to a hostile, uncharted continent.
Who is the protagonist of Ecce and Old Earth?
Glawen Clattuc is the main character, a young man who learns his father Scharde has been captured and held captive by a long-time adversary. He sets out to free his father and other prisoners from the dangerous continent of Ecce.
What is the continent of Ecce?
Ecce is a perilous, unsettled landmass populated by deadly creatures, where Scharde Clattuc and several others who have offended Smonny Clattuc are held as prisoners. It serves as the primary setting for the novel's action.
Where does Ecce and Old Earth fit in the Cadwal Chronicles?
It is the second of three books in the trilogy, published in 1991 between Araminta Station (1987) and Throy (1992). All three novels take place within Vance's broader Gaean Reach universe.
What is the central conflict in Ecce and Old Earth?
The story revolves around Glawen Clattuc's quest to rescue his father Scharde and fellow captives from Smonny Clattuc, an old enemy who has imprisoned them on the treacherous continent of Ecce. The danger comes both from the imprisoner and the lethal wildlife of the land itself.
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