Schismatrix

Schismatrix is a 1985 science fiction novel by Bruce Sterling. It is set in the 25th century and explores themes of genetic engineering, societal evolution, and posthumanism. The story is divided into two parts: "Shaper/Mechanist" and "The Exile," which are presented as fictional historical documents.

The novel depicts a future humanity divided into two main factions: the Shapers, who extensively modify human genetics to create specialized subspecies, and the Mechanists, who focus on cybernetic enhancements and technological integration. These factions are in a cold war, with neither able to achieve a decisive victory. The narrative follows the lives and conflicts of individuals caught between these opposing ideologies, showcasing the diverse and often extreme forms of human adaptation.

"The Exile" part of the novel focuses on Abel, a diplomat from an independent colony called the Black Atlantic. He becomes embroiled in the Shaper-Mechanist conflict while on a mission to retrieve a stolen Shaper artifact, encountering various enhanced humans and navigating the complex political landscape of the solar system. Sterling's work is known for its detailed world-building and its prescient exploration of transhumanist ideas. Schismatrix is considered a seminal work of the cyberpunk movement, influencing subsequent science fiction with its focus on technological and biological change. The novel was nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1986.