C. P. Snow was a British novelist and scientist whose work frequently explored the collision between two cultures: the humanities and science. He became particularly renowned for his novels, which delve into the moral dilemmas and societal workings within the educated elite. Snow himself often highlighted society's failure to grasp the interconnectedness of scientific and literary thought. His prose is marked by an analytical perspective on human motivations and social structures, offering readers a profound insight into the complexities of intellectual and political life.
Passion and conflict in wartime London
Homecomings is the sixth in the Strangers and Brothers series and sequel to Time of Hope. This complete story in its own right follows Lewis Eliot's life through World War II. After his first wife's death his work at the Ministry assumes a larger role. It is not until his second marriage that Eliot is able to commit himself emotionally.
Exploring the divide between the sciences and the humanities, this influential lecture by C. P. Snow argues that this separation hinders societal progress and problem-solving. Originally delivered in 1959, the lecture sparked significant discussion and debate in both the UK and the US, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary understanding. This reprint preserves the original text, allowing contemporary readers to engage with Snow's critical insights into the intellectual landscape of Western society.
Humphrey Leigh, retired resident of Belgravia, pays a social visit to an old friend, Lady Ashbrook. She is waiting for her test results, fearing cancer. When Lady Ashbrook gets the all clear she has ten days to enjoy her new lease of life. And then she is found murdered.
This story told in the first person starts with a child’s interest in the night sky. A telescope starts a lifetime’s interest in science. The narrator goes up to King’s College, London to study. As a fellow at Cambridge he embarks on love affairs and searches for love at the same time as career success. Finally, contentment in love exhausts his passion for research.
Economic storm clouds gather as bad political weather is forecast for the nation. Three elderly peers look on from the sidelines of the House of Lords and wonder if it will mean the end of a certain way of life. Against this background is set a court struggle over a disputed will that escalates into an almighty battle.
The Light and the Dark is the fourth in time sequence of narrative (although published as the second of the series) in the 'Strangers and Brothers' series. The story is set in Cambridge, but the plot also moves to Monte Carlo, Berlin and Switzerland. Lewis Eliot narrates the career of a childhood friend. Roy Calvert is a brilliant but controversial linguist who is about to be elected to a fellowship.
The penultimate novel in the 'Strangers and Brothers' series takes Goya's theme of monsters that appear in our sleep. The sleep of reason here is embodied in the ghastly murders of children that involve torture and sadism.
The last in the 'Strangers and Brothers' series has Sir Lewis Eliot's heart stop briefly during an operation. During recovery he passes judgement on his achievements and dreams. Concerns fall from him leaving only ironic tolerance. His son Charles takes up his father's burdens and like his father, he is involved in the struggles of class and wealth, but he challenges the Establishment, risking his future in political activities.
