That Hideous Strength
By (Author) C. S. Lewis
HarperCollins Publishers
HarperCollins
23rd May 2006
5th December 2005
United Kingdom
General
Fiction
Classic science fiction
Dystopian and utopian fiction
Occult fiction
Science fiction: apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic
Science fiction: near future
Thriller / suspense fiction
Narrative theme: Love and relationships
Narrative theme: Politics
823.912
Paperback
544
Width 129mm, Height 198mm, Spine 35mm
390g
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. 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.
'An extravagant mingling of dream and realism! excellent and thrilling reading' Daily Telegraph
Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963) was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English literature at Oxford University until 1954 when he was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance English at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement.