C. P. Snow, New Lives for Old

Nicolas Tredell (Independent Scholar - Europe)

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.2.1.09: English Writing and Culture: Postwar and Contemporary Britain , 1945-present.
Vol. editors: Kerry Myler (Newman University), Jenni Ramone (The Nottingham Trent University)

Dates

First circulation or publication 1933

Places

England (Country of Origin)

Genres and Modes

Novel

Resources

New Lives for Old, C. P. Snow's second published novel, appeared anonymously in 1933, credited on the dust jacket to “one of our younger scientists”. Apparently Snow was concerned that, if its authorship were known, it might prejudice his chances of a job for which he was in line (Philip Snow, 1982, 35). It is a hybrid book which mixes a science fiction tale, a psychological exploration of love and desire, a comedy of manners, and a political thriller. Its science fiction premise is the discovery of how to synthesize collophage, a rejuvenating hormone which gives human beings at least thirty more years of vigorous life and reawakens the desire for erotic and romantic fulfilment:

The entire atmosphere of …

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1780 words

Citation: Tredell, Nicolas. "New Lives for Old". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 13 April 2007 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=19405, accessed 26 November 2024.]

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