The Last Starship From Earth: John Boyd

Theoretical mathematicians are at the top of society, geneticists determine mate selection - and the Pope is a computer. Hell is a distant planet. Space travel has been conquered and abandoned. Haldane IV and Helix were a part of an ultra-rational society where mathematicians did not write poetry, where mathematicians did not fall in love with poets, and where most specifically, Haldane IV, young mathematician, couldn't possibly marry Helix, the attractive poet of his choice. It was in the best interests of the human race, said the State, that mates be selected for all professional people according to strict scientific principles. Their love is discovered and they must be put on trial. Cover art by Chris Foss.