Earth technology develops far enough to get humans to Mars and Venus, but then a weapon is turned on Earth that kills millions and convinces mankind to reject all knowledge as dangerous, especially science. A few brave scientists survive after the purges and builds the first galactic spacecraft. This is the story of how they escaped the oppressive hold of Earth and reached a whole new world. So far, this is one of my top 5 favorite Andre Norton novels. It has a lot of depth to its world-building, and actually it is still a possible future for mankind, even though this book is decades old. ( )

Written in 1954, this is very much a cold war era story. After a disaster causes world-wide death and destruction there is a massive backlash against all scientists and learning,. Earth is controlled by a religious "pax" which persecutes anyone who tries to learn or understand old technology. The last of the "free scientists" is banded together to escape Earth. Dard and Dessie, are the survivors who carry with them the knowledge of "cold sleep" which will enable the scientists to endure the long distances between the stars. A small group does manage to lift off and make it to another planet which they begin to explore and settle. ( )

Earth technology develops far enough to get humans to Mars and Venus, but then a weapon is turned on Earth that kills millions and convinces mankind to reject all knowledge as dangerous, especially science. A few brave scientists survive after the purges and builds the first galactic spacecraft. This is the story of how they escaped the oppressive hold of Earth and reached a whole new world. So far, this is one of my top 5 favorite Andre Norton novels. It has a lot of depth to its world-building, and actually it is still a possible future for mankind, even though this book is decades old. ( )

In a post-apocalyptic world where a dictator intent on peace and seized control - and proceeded to kill anyone with an education, small pockets of scientists hide out - with a plan.
A plan to escape the Pax and go to the stars they were aiming for when their world fell apart.
And start a new culture that encourages learning rather than ignorance ( )