After many a summer
| Title | After many a summer
a novel |
|---|---|
| Author | by Aldous Huxley |
| Publication | Chatto & Windus |
| Size | 314p |
| Language |  ENG |
| ISBN | |
| Topics |
English fiction--Satirical English fiction--Psychological English fiction--Philosophical Immortality--Fiction Books adapted into a film or play |
| Notes | This novel tells the story of a Hollywood millionaire who fears his impending death. The action revolves around a few characters brought together by a Hollywood millionaire, Jo Stoyte. These characters expose questions and answers depicting their various life philosophies until the climax in a Socratic method, while explorations of mortality, eroticism, class struggle, mysticism, and greed are all presented dispassionately throughout. Each character represents a different attitude toward life. Stoyte, in his sixties and conscious of his mortality, finds himself in deep contemplation of life. Enlightenment eludes him, though, as he is ruled by his fears and cravings. Stoyte hires Dr Obispo and his assistant Peter to research the secrets to long life in carp, crocodiles, and parrots. Jeremy Pordage, an English archivist and literature expert, is brought in to archive a rare collection of books. Pordage's presence highlights Stoyte's shallow attitude toward the precious works of art that he affords himself. Other characters are Virginia, Stoyte's young mistress; and Mr Propter, a professor who lives on a neighbouring estate. Stoyte cannot grasp that transcendence or goodness should be one's ultimate goal, rather than prevention of death, and expresses his wish to undergo treatment so that he too will live forever. Written soon after Huxley left England and settled in California, the novel is Huxley's examination of American culture, particularly what he saw as its narcissism, superficiality, and obsession with youth. This satire also raises philosophical and social issues, some of which would later take the forefront in Huxley's final novel Island. [wikipedia] |
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