The Drowned World
Martin Amis
J. G. Ballard
This fast-paced narrative by the author of ‘Crash’ and ‘Empire of the Sun’ is a stunning evocation of a flooded, tropical London of the near future and a foray into the workings of the unconscious mind.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.
The Drowned World
J. G. Ballard
Copyright (#ulink_e6448187-f8c0-5dea-9148-7cf522043c41)
Fourth Estate
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This edition published by Fourth Estate in 2014
First published in 1962
Copyright © J. G. Ballard 1962
J. G. Ballard asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work
‘The Drowned World’ © Martin Amis 2011
‘Reality Is a Stage Set’ © Travis Elborough 2006
‘Time, Memory and Inner Space’ © J. G. Ballard 1963
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
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Source ISBN: 9780007221837
Ebook Edition © OCTOBER 2014 ISBN: 9780007290123
Version: 2016-03-22
Contents
Cover Page (#ue8e1e188-73c8-5287-9ca4-139a74847c0b)
Title Page (#u584479ca-5625-5fb9-aefb-a51d942e3186)
Copyright (#u90189289-3e19-5b62-8cf4-b6bc64865a7a)
Introduction by Martin Amis (#u2a8b5ef5-e5b1-5227-b2d2-7264a7c6b7d7)
CHAPTER ONE: On the Beach at the Ritz (#u253c1a44-e760-5672-b7be-c40e559706b3)
CHAPTER TWO: The Coming of the Iguanas (#u0b7ae3d8-34ab-5567-9ad4-d9abc1fd55f7)
CHAPTER THREE: Towards a New Psychology (#u53fa7bfd-fcc3-5b50-98a9-6556c81c4af3)
CHAPTER FOUR: The Causeways of the Sun (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER FIVE: Descent into Deep Time (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SIX: The Drowned Ark (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER SEVEN: Carnival of Alligators (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER EIGHT: The Man with the White Smile (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER NINE: The Pool of Thanatos (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER TEN: Surprise Party (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ELEVEN: “The Ballad of Mistah Bones” (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER TWELVE: The Feast of Skulls (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Too Soon, Too Late (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Grand Slam (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: The Paradises of the Sun (#litres_trial_promo)
Reality is a Stage Set (#litres_trial_promo)
Time, Memory and Inner Space (#litres_trial_promo)
Keep Reading (#litres_trial_promo)
About the Author (#litres_trial_promo)
Also by the Author (#litres_trial_promo)
