Myths of the Near Future - J. G. Ballard 1982 - Jonathan Cape, London - First Edition First edition of this collection of ten short stories, including the brilliant and titular ‘Myths of the Near Future’, as well as ‘The Dead Time’ set in a civilian internment camp run by the Japanese just outside Shanghai, later to become Ballard’s autobiographical ‘Empire of the Sun’.   ‘Ten short stories from Ballard’s middle period, a mixture of contemporary satire, some macabre horror stories, and a preview of what would turn out to be Ballard’s breakthrough novel, Empire of the Sun. But at its heart are a couple of Core Ballard tales which perfectly capture his distinctive dystopian landscape of rusting rocket gantries, tropical forests full of jewelled creatures, abandoned motels and drained swimming pools’ – Rick Badman.

Reference: Rick Badman, ‘Books & Books’.

Thin Octavo (book size 20.6x13.5cm), pp. 205 [3]. In publisher’s dark blue cloth, spine lettered in gilt. Dust jacket priced ‘£6.95 net. In U.K. Only’ to lower corner of front flap.   Condition: Fine, but for faint spotting to top edge, in fine dust jacket, tape ghosting over original price.   Ref: 112612   Price: HK$ 3,500