MATHEMATICAL FICTION:

a list compiled by Alex Kasman (College of Charleston)

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The Phantom of Kansas (1976)
John Varley
(click on names to see more mathematical fiction by the same author)
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Contributed by "William E. Emba"

A sublunar meteorological artist wakens from her memory recording to learn that a serial killer has been murdering her repeatedly, and is presumably still targeting her. In trying to comprehend what it means to be "herself" under these circumstances, she works out a four-dimensional metaphor for her various selves.

Appeared in GALAXY SCIENCE FICTION (Feb 1976) reprinted in his THE PERSISTENCE OF MEMORY.

Contributed by Raja Thiagarajan

While I think this is a wonderful story, the "mathematics" of seeing a life as a 4-dimensional object is only mentioned in a few sentences, and (in my opinion anyway) isn't central to the story.

(Note: This is just one work of mathematical fiction from the list. To see the entire list or to see more works of mathematical fiction, return to the Homepage.)

Works Similar to The Phantom of Kansas
According to my `secret formula', the following works of mathematical fiction are similar to this one:
  1. In Fading Suns and Dying Moons by John Varley
  2. Immune Dreams by Ian Watson
  3. Ker-Plop by Ted Reynolds
  4. The Last Answer by Isaac Asimov
  5. A Rite of Spring by Fritz Leiber
  6. Star, Bright by Mark Clifton
  7. Tiger by the Tail by A.G. Nourse
  8. The Eighth Room by Stephen Baxter
  9. Left or Right by Martin Gardner
  10. Tangents by Greg Bear
Ratings for The Phantom of Kansas:
RatingsHave you seen/read this work of mathematical fiction? Then click here to enter your own votes on its mathematical content and literary quality or send me comments to post on this Webpage.
Mathematical Content:
1/5 (1 votes)
..
Literary Quality:
5/5 (1 votes)
.

Categories:
GenreScience Fiction,
MotifHigher/Lower Dimensions,
Topic
MediumShort Stories,

Home All New Browse Search About

Where are the new works of mathematical fiction?: As you can see from this chronological listing, this database includes many works of mathematical fiction for each year from 1990 to 2025. Strangely, only two are listed for 2026, so far. Either less mathematical fiction is being published than in previous years or I'm just having more trouble finding it. If you know of any works of fiction that should be added to this list, especially recently published ones, please let me know. (Keep in mind that I do not include self-published works or children's fiction that just covers elementary mathematical concepts.) Thanks!

(Maintained by Alex Kasman, College of Charleston)