First published in 1920, A Voyage to Arcturus is an intriguing, surreal and thought-provoking novel. Ostensibly the tale of an epic journey to an alien planet, the novel serves as a metaphysical allegory.
Following a harrowing séance, the main character, Maskull, embarks on an extraordinary adventure to the planet Tormance. As he journeys northwards, encountering blood-stained landscapes that embody various philosophies and lifestyles, Maskull pursues the divine essence of the world. At the end of his arduous and increasingly mystical quest he finds a dark secret and an unforgettable revelation.
Decades ahead of its time, A Voyage to Arcturus is a philosophical exploration into the very essence of what makes us human. In its own time the book was praised by influential figures such as C.S. Lewis and Tolkien, while its later admirers include Clive Barker and Alan Moore.