written in the 60's - before the term global warming had been coined - Ballard describes a world in which the ice caps have melted, the oceans have risen dramatically and jungle-like temperatures have completely transformed Europe, making most of it uninhabitable. well except for the crocs and iguanas that have taken up residence. reminds me a little of Lord of the Flies or Apocalpyse Now in that Ballard explores the impact of the environment on the human psychic. explores might be too strong a word. while our heros under go definite changes, Ballard is content to hint at the evolutionary causes and consequences.