The Drowned World: A Novel

Appearing in hardcover inAmerica for the first time, this neglected Ballardian masterpiece promises tobe a touchstone for environmentalists the world over. First published in 1962, J.G.Ballard's mesmerizing and ferociously imaginative novel not only gained himwidespread critical acclaim but also established his reputation as one of thefinest writers of a generation. The Drowned World imagines a terrifyingworld in which global warming has melted the ice caps and primordial jungleshave overrun a tropical London. Set during the year 2145, this novel followsbiologist Dr. Robert Kearns and his team of scientists as they confront acityscape in which nature is on the rampage and giant lizards, dragonflies, andinsects fiercely compete for domination. Both an unmatched biological mystery and a brilliant retelling of Heartof Darkness-completewith a mad white hunter and his hordes of native soldiers-this powerful andbeautifully clear (Brian Aldiss) work becomes a thrilling adventure with anoppressive power reminiscent of Conrad (Kingsley Amis).