The Drowned World

When London is lost beneath the rising tides, unconscious desires rush to the surface in this apocalyptic tale from the author of ´Crash´ and ´Empire of the Sun´, reissued here with a new introduction from Martin Amis. Fluctuations in solar radiation have melted the ice caps, sending the planet into a new Triassic Age of unendurable heat. London is a swamp; lush tropical vegetation grows up the walls of the Ritz and primeval reptiles are sighted, swimming through the newly-formed lagoons. Some flee the capital; others remain to pursue reckless schemes, either in the name of science or profit. While the submerged streets of London are drained in search of treasure, Dr Robert Kerans - part of a group of intrepid scientists - comes to accept this submarine city and finds himself strangely resistant to the idea of saving it. First published in 1962, Ballard´s mesmerising and ferociously imaginative novel gained him widespread critical acclaim and established his reputation as one of Britain´s finest writers of science fiction. This edition is part of a new commemorative series of Ballard´s works, featuring introductions from a number of his admirers (including Robert Macfarlane, Martin Amis, James Lever and Ali Smith) and brand-new cover designs...