That Hideous Strength: A Modern Fairy-Tale for Grown-Ups - Softcover

Lewis, C. S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0020869606 ISBN 13: 9780020869603

Publisher: Prentice Hall & IBD, 1987

Synopsis

The third novel in the science-fiction trilogy by C.S. Lewis. This final story is set on Earth, and tells of a terrifying conspiracy against humanity, a plot to recreate mankind in the image of slave robots. Now part of the Voyager Classics collection.

The story surrounds Mark and Jane Studdock, a newly married couple. Mark is a Sociologist who is enticed to join an organisation called N.I.C.E. which aims to control all human life. His wife, meanwhile, has bizarre prophetic dreams about a decapitated scientist, Alcasan. As Mark is drawn inextricably into the sinister organisation, he discovers the truth of his wife’s dreams when he meets the literal head of Alcasan which is being kept alive by infusions of blood.

Jane seeks help concerning her dreams at a community called St Anne’s, where she meets their leader – Dr Ransom (the main character of the previous two titles in the trilogy). The story ends in a final spectacular scene at the N.I.C.E. headquarters where Merlin appears to confront the powers of Hell.

About this title

Review:

‘An extravagant mingling of dream and realism...excellent and thrilling reading’ Daily Telegraph

From the Back Cover:

The thrilling conclusion to C. S. Lewis's acclaimed Cosmic Trilogy, That Hideous Strength brings the battle between good and eveil to Earth in the tale of a terrifying conspiracy against humanity
Mark and Jane Studdock are a newly married couple about to be drawn into events very far out f the ordinary. The morning after a horrific nightmare about a decapitated head, Jane sees the same face in a newspaper – a brilliant French scientist guillotined for poisoning his wife. Jane has the growing feeling that she is being warned of something real and sinister. Mark, a Sociologist, has meanwhile been enticed to join the National Institute for Co-ordinated Experiments, which aims to harness human society. As he is drawn further into the sinister organisation, he discovers the truth of his wife's dreams, while she seeks help at a community called St Anne's, lead by the charismatic Dr Ransom.

This richly-imagined work combines C. S. Lewis's consumate storytelling with an exploration of some of his deepest concerns: the rise of scientific 'humanism' (as personified by H. G. Wells) and the growing thread to the ecology of the planet. But the tale is threaded with brightness and optimism as the memorably complex characters travel a painful but ultimately rewarding path towards self-knowledge.

About this edition

• Publisher: Prentice Hall & IBD
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0020869606
• ISBN 13: 9780020869603
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384