The Years of Rice and Salt

It is the fourteenth century and one of the most apocalyptic events in human history is set to occur—the coming of the Black Death. History teaches us that a third of Europe’s population died. But what if the plague had killed 95 percent of the population instead? How would the world have changed? The Years of Rice and Salt is a look at the history that could have been - one that stretches across centuries, sees dynasties and nations rise and crumble, and spans horrible famine and magnificent innovation.

Through the eyes of women and men from all walks of life - soldiers and kings, explorers and teachers, inventors and exiles - renowned storyteller Kim Stanley Robinson explores the place of religion, culture, power - and even love - in this bold new world.