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Cover of The Drowned World by J. G. Ballard

The Drowned World

  • 175 pages · about 3 hours
  • First published 1962
  • 22 editions

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1 About this book

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.

(via 2014 Fourth Estate edition).

Good for readers who want: science fiction and fantasy.

  • Science fiction
  • Fantasy
  • Dystopian fiction
  • Global warming
  • Natural disasters

2 About J. G. Ballard

1930–2009

James Graham Ballard was born and raised in the International Settlement in Shanghai, China to a chemist.

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