This anthology presents 32 science fiction short stories inspired by the prophetic dystopias of J. G. Ballard, a titan of 20th-century literature. Featuring contributions from notable authors like Will Self, Iain Sinclair, Christopher Fowler, Chris Beckett, and a new Jerry Cornelius story by Michael Moorcock, it pays homage to Ballard’s unique vision of a bewildering and alienating world. Ballard’s works, including Empire of the Sun, Crash, and Cocaine Nights, explore the disjointed nature of contemporary reality and classic dystopias such as The Drowned World and High Rise, leaving an indelible mark on literature. This groundbreaking collection, edited by Maxim Jakubowski and Rick McGrath, showcases the uncanny and uneasy relationship between humanity and the future, reflecting Ballard’s influence on literary and science fiction. The anthology includes stories from a diverse array of authors, such as Jeff Noon, Preston Grassmann, Toby Litt, Christine Poulson, and many more, each offering their interpretation of the themes that Ballard so masterfully explored. Through this compilation, readers are invited to engage with the unsettling visions that define our empires of concrete, seen through the warped lens of Ballard's legacy.
Chris Beckett Book order (chronological)
Chris Beckett delves into the depths of human society, exploring the intricate relationships between individuals and the structures that shape them. His narratives, often set against thought-provoking science fiction backdrops, reflect his own life experiences and observations of the world around him. Beckett utilizes the freedom of the genre to invent new worlds and examine universal themes of hope, betrayal, and the search for meaning in often challenging circumstances.






A bestselling introduction to emotional, psychological, intellectual and social development throughout the lifespan now with online case study resource.
A captivating and provocative novel that explores the importance of storytelling, as well as questioning how human beings understand our place within society, time and even space. From an Arthur C. Clarke award-winning author.
This award-winning magazine showcases a diverse range of content in science fiction and fantasy, including new short stories, articles, artwork, poetry, and book reviews. It serves as a platform for both established and emerging voices in the genre, offering readers a rich tapestry of imaginative narratives and insightful commentary.
Tenderfoot
- 104 pages
- 4 hours of reading
From one of the editors of Carcanet's anthology of Ethiopian Amharic Poetry (Songs We Learn from Trees, 2020), comes a collections about growing up in a hungry country and wondering how to be happy.
This guide aims to help both supervisors and supervisees use supervision to maximise learning, and to support best practice.
Future Rising
- 220 pages
- 8 hours of reading
"As a species, we have become profoundly talented architects of our own future. And yet, we so often struggle to come to terms with what this means and the responsibility that comes with this ability. As our world is driven along by the breakneck speed of innovation and rapidly-shifting norms and expectations, we sometimes need to find a still, quiet place to pause and think. Future Rising sets out to create such a quiet place, where we can take advantage of our species' knowledge of the environment, world history, and the importance of science to piece together a positive picture of the future."--Publisher's description
A thought-provoking novel about how humans define themselves, and each other, and what that means for our future. From an Arthur C. Clarke award-winning author.
Exploring the enchanting realm of alien cultures, this book delves into the fairy tales and folk stories from distant planets, paralleling the rich traditions found on Earth. It showcases the unique legends and magical narratives crafted by alien chroniclers, revealing how these stories reflect their own mysticism and truths. By comparing these narratives to our own, the book invites readers to discover a universe filled with diverse and captivating tales that transcend the boundaries of our world.
"South America, 1990. Ben Ronson, a British police officer, arrives in a mysterious forest to investigate a spate of killings of a local species called the Duendes. They are silent, vaguely humanoid creatures - with long limbs and black button eyes - that have a strange psychic effect on people, exposing them to their suppressed thoughts and fears. The crimes have taken place in a landscape known as the Delta and to reach it Ben has crossed the Zone, a territory which wipes the memories of all who pass through. He remembers nothing of the preceding days; what he did or felt or saw. Ben is uneasy about what he may have done in the Zone and avoids opening the diaries he kept whilst there, busying himself with the investigation instead. He becomes fascinated by the Duendes, but the closer he gets, the more he begins to unravel. As the Delta starts to take hold of his mind, Ben becomes increasingly haunted by the unopened diaries and the terrible secrets they might hold ..."--Publisher's description.

