What if the Black Death had wiped out 99 percent of Europe?

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In Kim Stanley Robinson's 2002 alternate history masterpiece, a much deadlier plague reshapes the globe. Instead of a third of the population, the Black Death claims 99 percent of Europe, triggering a centuries-long shift in power between Muslim states, China, and the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Published in 2002, 'The Years of Rice and Salt' explores a world where historical trajectories are fundamentally altered by a catastrophic shift in demographics. By imagining a version of the Black Death that killed 99 percent of Europe's population—rather than the roughly one-third that died in our reality—Kim Stanley Robinson creates a landscape where Western influence is drastically diminished and replaced by other global powers. This demographic collapse fundamentally shifts the course of human development. Such a massive loss of life alters the global balance of power for centuries.

The narrative is driven by social history rather than just military or political events. The story follows a group of characters who are reincarnated across different eras, identified to the reader by a consistent first letter in their names. This cyclical structure allows the novel to span centuries, from the era of the conqueror Timur to the 21st century, tracing the evolution of diverse cultures and the scientific progress of various civilizations. These recurring figures connect various historical epochs through their cyclical existence. Their shared identity is revealed through a consistent initial letter in their names.

The novel's geopolitical landscape is defined by intense competition and cultural exchange. It depicts a 67-year-long world war fought primarily between Muslim states and China and their allies. It also features the rise of the Hodenosaunee (the People of the Longhouse) as a defensive league formed to resist both Chinese and Muslim invaders in the New World. Through these complex interactions, Robinson examines how different religious, social, and scientific movements might have shaped a non-Western-centric modern world. The story also highlights the technological advancements of the Indian state of Travancore. This nation eventually develops steam engines and ironclad warships during the 19th century.

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