Tim's Picks

Read the award-winning, critically acclaimed, multi-million-copy-selling science-fiction phenomenon – now a Netflix Original Series from the creators of Game of Thrones. Death's End by Cixin Liu is the thrilling conclusion to the groundbreaking Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy. Following the events of the Doomsday Battle, humanity has entered an era of unprecedented prosperity, thanks to the advanced knowledge imported from...

A journey into the mystical and evocative archipelago of Earthsea, masterfully crafted by the acclaimed author Ursula K. Le Guin. In Earthsea: The First Four Books, readers are introduced to a world where magic is tangible and pervasive, guiding the lives and destinies of its inhabitants. The narrative follows the arc of Ged, known also by his use-name Sparrowhawk, whose...

The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber is a compelling and essential read for anyone passionate about entrepreneurship or seeking to scale their small business effectively. In this insightful and practical guide, Gerber dispels several myths plaguing the entrepreneurial world, particularly the misconception that most business owners are actual entrepreneurs. He addresses the fatal assumption that just because someone excels...

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight is a riveting memoir that unveils the remarkable journey behind the creation of Nike, one of the world's most iconic and successful brands. Phil Knight's story begins in 1962, when fresh out of business school, he embarks on a daring entrepreneurial adventure with a radical premise: to import high-quality, low-cost athletic shoes from Japan. Armed...

The groundbreaking first book of an epic series that has changed the face of fantasy. The Way of Kings begins The Stormlight Archive. Speak again the ancient oaths: Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before Destination. Return to men the Shards they once bore. The Knights Radiant must stand again. Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny...

Flowers For Algernon by Daniel Keyes is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking novel that tells the story of Charlie Gordon, a kind-hearted and intellectually disabled man working as a floor sweeper in a bakery. Often the target of cruel jokes by his co-workers, Charlie dreams of being smart and accepted like others. His life takes a dramatic turn when he...

The paperback edition of the liberating Sunday Times bestseller is set to enhance readers' lives even further with extra content on how we can all spend our four thousand weeks. The average human lifespan is absurdly, outrageously, insultingly brief—if you live to 80, you have about four thousand weeks on earth. How should we use them best? Of course, nobody...

Tools of Titans by Timothy Ferriss is an indispensable guide, meticulously curated from an array of interviews with some of the world’s top performers. This seminal work dives deep into the tactics, routines, and habits of global icons across various domains, from business magnates and world-class athletes to influential celebrities and strategists. Ferriss extracts and shares invaluable insights that have...

The #1 New York Times Bestseller - How to Harness the Life-Changing Power of Integrity ‘A message all of us need to hear’ — Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘This book is a gift to humanity’ — Dr. Edith Eva Eger For the Stoics, justice was more than an idea. It was a way of life, a personal commitment to doing the right...

On the day after Halloween, in the year 1327, four children slip away from the cathedral city of Kingsbridge. They are a thief, a bully, a boy genius and a girl who wants to be a doctor. In the forest they see two men killed. As adults, their lives will be braided together by ambition, love, greed and revenge. They...

When Breath Becomes Air is an extraordinary memoir that offers readers an intimate glimpse into the life of Paul Kalanithi, a talented neurosurgeon who is diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer at the age of thirty-six, just as he is poised to complete nearly a decade of rigorous training. In this profoundly moving and thought-provoking narrative, Kalanithi takes readers on a...

The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett offers an unvarnished and authentic insight into the life and mind of one of the UK's most successful entrepreneurs. Bartlett, known for his candid and insightful podcast, takes readers on a journey through his personal and professional experiences, sharing valuable lessons learned along the way. This book is not just about business....

Visionary in scale, and the first contemporary novel in over a decade from number one worldwide bestseller Ken Follett, Never imagines the unimaginable: the imminent threat of World War Three. Expertly researched and set against a global stage, Never will take you on a high-stakes journey from the heat of the Sahara Desert to the political arenas of North America,...

Cosmos by Carl Sagan takes readers on a profound journey through the vast expanse of space and time, exploring the intricacies of the universe from its very inception to the rise of human civilisation. Sagan's narrative sweeps through 15 billion years of cosmic evolution, illustrating how matter and life have combined to create consciousness, and how science and civilisation have...

For generations, the solar system—Mars, the Moon, the Asteroid Belt—was humanity's great frontier. Until now. The alien artefact working through its program under the clouds of Venus has emerged to build a massive structure outside the orbit of Uranus: a gate that leads into a starless dark. Abaddon's Gate, the third book in James S. A. Corey's acclaimed Expanse series,...

The Concise 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is a masterful distillation of timeless strategies for gaining, maintaining, and wielding power. Through careful analysis and captivating storytelling, Greene brings to life the secrets of power housed in historical narratives and contemporary examples. This indispensable guide takes readers through 48 essential laws that govern power dynamics, providing insights into human...

In post-World War II Barcelona, a city still scarred by war, young Daniel Sempere is introduced to a clandestine labyrinth known as the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. As it is tradition for a first-time visitor, Daniel is encouraged to 'adopt' a single book from the repository, vowing to keep its story alive. He selects a novel, The Shadow of the...

Getting Things Done by David Allen offers a groundbreaking approach to stress-free productivity and efficient personal organisation, now fully updated to address the realities of today's fast-paced workplace. Allen's methodology, often referred to simply as GTD, has revolutionised the way people manage their responsibilities and time, promising to transform both professional and personal lives. The central thesis of the book...

From the award-winning master of sci-fi Adrian Tchaikovsky, Children of Memory is the unmissable follow-up space opera to the highly acclaimed Children of Time and Children of Ruin. They dreamed of a new home. They woke to a nightmare. On Imir, Captain Holt founded a new colony on an empty world. In the process, he created hope and a new...

In the city of Camorr, a place where the rich indulge in grand opulence and the poor scrape by in the shadow of relics from a forgotten age, there thrives a legend. They say the Thorn of Camorr can outfight anyone, steal from the rich to give to the poor, and is more myth than man. They are wrong on...

By the author of THE HANDMAID'S TALE and ALIAS GRACE Oryx and Crake is a deeply imaginative and darkly compelling novel that transports readers to a dystopian future where genetic engineering has reached unsettling heights. The story follows Snowman, once known as Jimmy, who now lives in isolation, draped in old bedsheets and dwelling in a desolate tree. His world...

The much-anticipated final instalment of the Wool trilogy. In the aftermath of the uprising, the people of Silo 18 are coming to terms with a new order. Some embrace the change, others fear the unknown; none have control of their fate. The Silo is still in danger. There are those set on its destruction. Jules knows they must be stopped....

WINNER OF THE WORLD FANTASY AWARD 2018 Jade City, the first book in the Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee, invites readers into the vividly realised world of Janloon, a city where honour is prized and familial ties run deep. In this gripping urban fantasy, two crime families, the No Peak Clan and the Mountain Clan, vie for control of...

From the bestselling author Robert Greene comes a brilliant distillation of the strategies of war that can help us gain mastery in the modern world. Through an intricate examination of historical events, famous figures, and classic works of literature, The 33 Strategies of War offers readers a detailed roadmap to navigate the subtle social battles of everyday life. Spanning world...

Good to Great by Jim Collins is an authoritative guide that investigates what takes a company from mere mediocrity to exceptional greatness. This acclaimed work is based on a five-year research project comparing teams that made that leap to those that didn’t. Collins and his research team examined financial performance, management practices, and corporate culture to distill the essential factors...

The Concise Mastery by Robert Greene is a distilled version of his acclaimed work, Mastery, bringing together essential insights and strategies for achieving excellence in any field. This pocket guide, both compact and powerful, offers readers a roadmap to uncovering and harnessing their intrinsic potential. Drawing from a rich tapestry of historical narratives, biographical accounts, and psychological analysis, Greene uncovers...

The triumphant finale to the Riftwar Saga, A Darkness at Sethanon by Raymond E. Feist, brings to a close the first of his classic, bestselling fantasy trilogies. This gripping concluding volume blends the elements of high fantasy and intricate world-building that fans of the series have come to cherish. The threat to Midkemia is far from over. Though the Kingdom...

The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone delves into the awe-inspiring rise of Amazon.com, unravelling the intricate journey of one of the world's most formidable companies and its visionary founder, Jeff Bezos. This comprehensive account reveals the layers of ambition, innovation, and strategy that drove Amazon from a humble online bookstore to a global...

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls offers a stirring portrait of a childhood marked by both deprivation and resilience. Walls, a celebrated journalist, recounts her journey starting from the dusty, desolate mining towns of the American Southwest, to finally reaching the grandiose, antique-filled apartment on Park Avenue in New York City. This evocative memoir takes readers through an extraordinary life...

Welcome back to Diddly Squat Farm, where Jeremy Clarkson's agricultural adventures continue unabated in Diddly Squat: Pigs Might Fly. Since seizing control of the farm three years ago, Jeremy has delved deeper into the mucky, unpredictable world of farming. This latest instalment offers more of his uniquely entertaining blend of wit, frustration, and unexpected triumphs. On the farm, Jeremy faces...

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason is an extraordinary collection of timeless parables set in the ancient city of Babylon. Through a series of insightful and captivating stories, the book conveys powerful principles of financial wisdom, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. These parables follow the lives of merchants, tradesmen, and shepherds who must...

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle is a Newbery Award-winning classic that has enchanted and inspired readers since its publication. This timeless novel effortlessly blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, captivating the hearts and minds of young and old alike. The story follows Meg Murry, her exceptionally intelligent younger brother Charles Wallace, and their new friend Calvin O'Keefe....

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari is an extraordinary exploration of humanity's history from the dawn of our species to the present day. Harari delves into our evolution, offering insights into the cognitive revolutions that allowed Homo sapiens to rise above other animal species. Traversing through various stages of human development, he examines the Agricultural Revolution, the unification of humankind through...

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss is an extraordinary fantasy novel that chronicles the life of Kvothe, a man who has become a legend in his own time. This captivating story dives into the depths of Kvothe's incredible journey, exploring his multifaceted persona and the events that shaped him into the myth he is known to be. Kvothe's...

The Stormlight Archive saga continues in Oathbringer, the incredible third book in Brandon Sanderson's #1 New York Times bestselling series. The Alethi armies commanded by Dalinar Kholin won a fleeting victory at a terrible cost: The enemy Parshendi summoned the violent Everstorm, and now its destruction sweeps the world and its passing awakens the once peaceful and subservient parshmen to...

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl is a profound piece of literature that delves into the depths of human resilience and the quest for purpose. This remarkable book, which is now available in a handsome gift edition featuring a new introduction and appendices, is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the human condition through the lens of...

Nudge by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein explores the fascinating mechanics behind everyday decision-making and how subtle interventions, or "nudges," can steer people toward better choices without limiting their freedom. From the mundane to the highly significant, this groundbreaking book delves into how we choose what to buy, what to eat, how to invest, and even how to...

From Wharton professor and author of the One Useful Thing Substack, comes an urgent and definitive playbook for working, learning and living in the new age of AI. For fans of Kevin Kelly, Ray Kurzweil, Cal Newport, and Martin Ford. A New York Times Bestseller Co-Intelligence is the very best book I know about the ins, outs, and ethics of...

It's been nearly 25 years since Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad first made waves in the Personal Finance arena. It has since become the #1 Personal Finance book of all time, translated into dozens of languages and sold around the world. Rich Dad Poor Dad is Robert's story of growing up with two dads - his real father and...

In the heart of both urban and rural landscapes, there lies a bounty of food waiting to be discovered, if only one knows where to look. Foraging offers a wealth of benefits: it is healthy, economical, and sustainable. Yet, perhaps the most delightful aspect is the sheer joy of uncovering edible treasures in the world around us. The Forager's Treasury...

Step into a mesmerising world as you leave behind 21st century London and journey back to Ice Age Europe in Jean M. Auel's masterfully crafted novel, The Clan of the Cave Bear. Witness the captivating tale of Ayla, a young Cro-Magnon girl whose life takes a dramatic turn after a catastrophic earthquake claims the lives of her family. Alone and...

ReWork by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson revolutionises the way we approach business in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. This eye-catching Vermilion Life Essentials edition brings the authors' radical insights to a wider audience of forward-thinking readers. The book challenges conventional wisdom, urging entrepreneurs, small-business owners, and even those stuck in mundane day jobs to reimagine the fundamentals of running...

Set against the dramatic and tumultuous backdrop of Leningrad in 1941, during the peak of Hitler's invasion of Russia, The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons is an evocative tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience. The story follows Tatiana Metanova, a young and spirited Russian girl, whose life is irrevocably changed when she meets Alexander Belov, a daring and mysterious Red...

The 50th Law, written by Robert Greene in collaboration with the legendary rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent, is a remarkable guide that transcends the boundaries between the gritty streets and the corporate boardroom. The book offers a powerful and enlightening exploration of fearlessness and its pivotal role in achieving unparalleled success. Through an engaging narrative, it delves into how 50...

The International Bestseller A New York Times Best Book of the 21st Century Soon to be an FX TV series streaming on DISNEY+ 'Unquestionably one of the greatest literary achievements of the 21st century' — Nick Hornby From the author of Empire of Pain – a stunning, intricate narrative about a notorious killing in Northern Ireland and its devastating repercussions....

Dominion by Tom Holland is an enlightening exploration of the profound influence of Christianity on the Western world. With meticulous research and engaging narratives, Tom Holland journeys through history to reveal how Christianity has shaped our thoughts, values, and institutions, often in ways we have long forgotten. At its core, Dominion tells the story of how an obscure cult following...

Empire of the Summer Moon transports readers to the turbulent era of the mid-19th century American West, where the fierce and formidable Comanche tribe clashed with white settlers. At the heart of this gripping historical narrative are two intersecting sagas: the rise and eventual fall of the Comanches, known as the most powerful Indian tribe in American history, and the...

Spanning centuries and continents, The Silk Roads by Professor Peter Frankopan offers a compelling and comprehensive retelling of history through the lens of the ancient trade routes that linked the East and the West. This fascinating book takes readers on an epic journey across time and space, exploring the key role that these pathways played in shaping the world's continents,...

Dragon Ball Complete Box Set by Akira Toriyama brings together the thrilling and humorous escapades of young Son Goku and his friends, showcasing an epic journey filled with adventure, fantasy, and comical encounters. It's a series that transcends genres, blending action, comedy, and timeless storytelling. Goku, an extraordinary boy with a monkey tail, possesses superhuman strength and wields a magical...

A pioneering exploration of the differences between the brain’s right and left hemispheres and their effects on society, history, and culture—"one of the few contemporary works deserving classic status” (Nicholas Shakespeare, The Times, London). “Persuasively argues that our society is suffering from the consequences of an over-dominant left hemisphere losing touch with its natural regulative ‘master’ the right. Brilliant and...

The instant Sunday Times bestseller A revolutionary new history of the diffusion of Indian ideas, from the award-winning, bestselling author and co-host of the chart-topping Empire podcast. ‘Richly woven, highly readable ... Written with passion and verve’ Spectator ‘Dazzling ... Not just a historical study but also a love letter’ Guardian ‘An outstanding new account ... The most compelling retelling...

From the New York Times bestselling author of Deep Work, Slow Productivity is a groundbreaking philosophy for creating great work at a sustainable pace. Hustle culture. Burnout. Quiet quitting. Today we're either sacrificing ourselves on the altar of success or we're rejecting the idea of ambition entirely. But it doesn't have to be all or nothing. There is a way...

Frank Herbert's The Great Dune Trilogy plunges readers into an evocative and grandiose saga set on the desert planet of Arrakis. This richly detailed landscape becomes the focal point for a complex tapestry of political intrigue, military conflict, and galaxy-wide repercussions. Arrakis, also known as Dune, is the sole source of the spice melange, a valuable and highly sought-after substance...

In Mindset - Updated Edition, world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Dr Carol Dweck delves into the profound power of our mindset and how it influences our lives. Through her decades of research on achievement and success, Dr Dweck presents a groundbreaking idea: the impact of a fixed versus a growth mindset on our abilities and potential. This revised edition not only...

Surely You're Joking Mr Feynman is a delightful collection of anecdotes and mind-bending adventures of the Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard P. Feynman. This book offers readers an intimate glimpse into the life of a man whose curiosity knew no bounds. Over the course of these anecdotes, Feynman takes us through his childhood, his education at MIT and Princeton, and his...

Scrum by Jeff Sutherland and J.J. Sutherland is a groundbreaking resource that unveils a revolutionary approach to project management and team dynamics. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to transform their workplace into a model of efficiency and success. The authors, who are authorities on the subject, take readers on an enlightening journey, offering step-by-step instructions for implementing...

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle is a timeless tale that begins in a serene and magical lilac wood, where a single Unicorn lives in peace, unaware of the changing world around her. Her idyllic existence is disrupted when she overhears a conversation suggesting that she might be the last of her kind. Determined to uncover the truth and...

Are you in charge of your life, or are you constantly being swept away by circumstances that seem beyond your control? In Awaken the Giant Within, internationally acclaimed motivational speaker and bestselling author Anthony Robbins reveals the secrets to mastering your emotions, finances, relationships, and life. This empowering book is a practical guide designed to help you take immediate and...

Reality Transurfing: Steps I-V by Vadim Zeland is a transformative guide to altering your perception of reality and, subsequently, the reality itself. It introduces the concept of Transurfing, a method for influencing your life by harnessing the power of choice and intention. Rather than striving to attain your goals, Transurfing suggests that these goals naturally manifest when you align your...

Zero to One by Blake Masters and Peter Thiel is a ground-breaking and thought-provoking examination of innovation and what it takes for a new company to prosper. Written by Peter Thiel, the co-founder of one of the most successful tech start-ups in history, this book provides a fresh perspective on how to build a valuable and unique enterprise in a...

Embark on an unforgettable journey through one of history's most epic tales of survival and leadership in Shackleton by Sir Ranulph Fiennes. This gripping biography delves into the life and trials of Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose doomed 1914-1917 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition remains one of the most remarkable feats of human endurance ever recorded. As his ship, the Endurance, becomes hopelessly...

THE INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON BEHIND THE COSMERE The race to find the Shard artifacts is on... Return to a planet swept by apocalyptic storms, a world tipping into war as aristocratic families move to control the shard blades and shard plates, ancient artifacts from a past civilisation that can win wars. As the world tips into a war for control of...

In The Secret History, Donna Tartt weaves a haunting and enthralling tale set in an elite New England college where a group of brilliant and unorthodox students fall under the spell of their charismatic and enigmatic classics professor, Julian Morrow. These students, Richard Papen, Henry Winter, Bunny Corcoran, Francis Abernathy, and the twins Charles and Camilla Macaulay, become immersed in...

East of Eden, John Steinbeck's most ambitious and engrossing novel, unfolds in the rich and fertile farmlands of the Salinas Valley, California. This powerful narrative paints a vivid portrait of human struggle and the enduring quest for identity, love, and redemption, all framed within a family saga that transcends generations. The novel masterfully weaves together the destinies of two families,...

Memories, Dreams, Reflections is an introspective exploration into the life and mind of Carl Gustav Jung, one of the pioneering figures in modern psychiatry. This compelling autobiography provides a profound look at the events and inner experiences that shaped his intellectual and emotional development. Starting his narrative in childhood, Jung reflects on his formative years, his struggles with his own...

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport presents a revolutionary strategy for optimising your interaction with digital technology in a way that fosters productivity, focus, happiness, and creativity. Most of us recognise that our reliance on texting, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter is not due to sheer lack of intelligence or depth, but because these platforms truly offer significant value in the form...

NOW A PRIME ORIGINAL TV SERIES Tiamat's Wrath is the eighth book in the New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-winning Expanse series by James S. A. Corey. In the wake of opening thirteen hundred gates to new solar systems across the galaxy, humanity is now on a quest to establish its interstellar empire amid the remnants of alien civilisations....

From New York Times bestselling author Joe Abercrombie, the Age of Madness trilogy is a revered epic fantasy series where the age of the machine dawns, but the age of magic refuses to die. This box set contains the completed trilogy: A Little Hatred, The Trouble with Peace, and The Wisdom of Crowds. "A master of his craft." -- Forbes...

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien is a timeless fantasy novel that serves as a prelude to the epic The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Set in Middle-earth, it follows the extraordinary journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who prefers the comforts of home to the excitement of adventure. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when the wizard...

How To by Randall Munroe is a unique and ingenious guide that turns conventional wisdom on its head, offering humorous and highly impractical solutions to everyday challenges. This is not your typical self-help book; it dives into the fantastical and laugh-out-loud world of Munroe’s imagination, where humour and science blend seamlessly. From the mind behind the beloved webcomic XKCD and...

Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson is an enthralling exploration of the life and mind of the quintessential Renaissance man. This biography delves into the riveting story of Leonardo da Vinci, seamlessly blending the art, science, and personal life of one of history's most innovative figures. The narrative begins with Leonardo's early years in the small Italian town of Vinci,...

The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson offers readers a captivating exploration into the intricate and remarkable workings of the human body. This head-to-toe tour of the marvel that is our physical frame delves deep into the mechanics, potential, and mysteries of our anatomy. Bryson, celebrated for his engaging writing and thorough research, embarks on a mission to...

Must-have guide to optimising your life for wealth and success from bestselling author of The Four by Scott Galloway. 'You need this book.' Steven Bartlett, author of The Diary of a CEO The world is changing. It's time for a new financial playbook. In this must-have guide to optimising your life for wealth, success, and happiness, you'll learn: how to...

The Gentleman Bastard Sequence by Scott Lynch is a spellbinding fantasy series that introduces readers to the thrilling exploits of Locke Lamora and his band of charismatic con artists. In a captivating world reminiscent of Renaissance Venice, these audacious thieves navigate the treacherous lanes of political intrigue, magical dangers, and daring heists. The series begins with The Lies of Locke...

Wall Street Journal Bestseller Learn to conquer the one real hurdle to scaling your company and growing rich—Time. How you use your free time will make or break your success. The secret? It's not about working harder or finding more time to do work. It's about designing the freedom to engage in the high-value work that brings you energy and...

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey is a transformative guide aimed at those seeking to improve various facets of their personal and professional lives. The book delves into the fundamental principles of effectiveness, which are grounded in the idea of aligning one's values and inner character with universal truths and ethical norms. Stephen R. Covey...

Are you overwhelmed by a constant barrage of emails, texts, tweets, messages, and meetings? The simultaneous demands of work and family life are taking a toll. The cost? Subpar work quality, missed deadlines, reduced income, fewer promotions, and overwhelming stress. And yet, you desire more: more productivity at work, more income for a better lifestyle, more satisfaction from life, and...

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing is one of the most remarkable tales of human courage and determination ever told. Set against the backdrop of one of the harshest environments on Earth, this narrative offers a riveting depiction of true adventure and fortitude. In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton, along with his crew of 27 men, embarked on an ambitious...

In The Laws of Human Nature, Robert Greene delves into the nature of human behaviour, offering insights and strategies to help readers understand and navigate the complexities of human emotions and interactions. At its core, the book is a psychological exploration of the depths of human nature, intertwined with historical and contemporary examples to illustrate key points. Greene masterfully analyses...

The Principle of Simultaneity is a scientific breakthrough that will revolutionise interstellar civilisation by making possible instantaneous communication. It is the life work of Shevek, a brilliant physicist from the arid anarchist world of Anarres. However, Shevek's work is being stifled by jealous colleagues, so he travels to Anarres's sister-planet Urras, hoping to find more liberty and tolerance there. But...