The novels of Iain M. Banks have forever changed the face of modern science fiction. His Culture books combine breathtaking imagination with exceptional storytelling, and have secured his reputation as one of the most extraordinary and influential writers in the genre.Banks is a phenomenon William Gibson Two and a half millennia ago in a remote corner of space, beside a trillionyearold dying sun from a different universe, the artifact appeared.It was a perfect blackbody sphere, and it did nothing. Then it disappeared.Now it is back.Diplomat GenarHofoen of Special Circumstances is sent to investigate but, sidetracked by an old flame and the spoiledbrat operative Ulver Seich, and faced with the systematic depravities of a race who call themselves the Affront, its anyones guess whether hell succeed . . . Praise for the Culture seriesEpic in scope, ambitious in its ideas and absorbing in its execution Independent on SundayBanks has created one of the most enduring and endearing visions of the future GuardianJampacked with extraordinary invention ScotsmanCompulsive reading Sunday Telegraph The Culture seriesConsider PhlebasThe Player of GamesUse of WeaponsExcessionInversionsLook to WindwardMatterSurface DetailThe Hydrogen SonataThe State of the ArtOther books by Iain M. BanksAgainst a Dark BackgroundFeersum EndjinnThe AlgebraistAlso now available The Culture The Drawings an extraordinary collection of original illustrations faithfully reproduced from sketchbooks Banks kept in...

Binding: Paperback;464 pages; Publisher: Hachette UK Distribution; Classification: FL; Weight: 438 g; Dimensions: 126 x 197 x 32

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