"The first version does not satisfy me completely, even though it is quite well constructed and generates a great deal of suspense . . . The Chain of Chance is better because it is plausible." With these words Lem described to Stanislaw Beres one of the more remarkable literary experiments of his career. After many years of reflection, the author returns to a familiar philosophical problem in order to frame a second novel around it. Over the years Lem avowed in numerous interviews that, as a rule, he does not prepare an outline before sitting down to write a book. In Solaris (1961), for example, he wrote the opening scene not knowing in advance what mystery his hero would face on board of the space station. But, like in many other respects, The Chain of Chance does not fit this pattern.

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