by RobertSilverberg (Author)
Lew Nichols is in the business of stochastic prediction. A mixture of sophisticated analysis and inspired guesswork, it is the nearest man can get to predicting the future. And Nichols is very good at it. So good that he is soon indispensable to Paul Quinn, the ambitious and charismatic mayor of New York whose sights are firmly set on the presidency. But there is nothing paranormal about stochastic prediction: Nichols can't actually see the future. However, Martin Carvajal apparently can and he offers to help Nichols do so too. It's an offer Nichols can't resist, even though he can clearly see the devastating impact that knowing in advance every act of his life has on Carvajal. For Carvajal has even seen his own death.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 240
Edition: New edition
Publisher: Gollancz
Published: 19 Jul 2001
ISBN 10: 057505123X
ISBN 13: 9780575051232
Book Overview: * 'A taut, spartan...novel of political and personal gain...the historical and political sense as superb as Gore Vidal's' Ian Watson * A brilliant and thoughtful novel that explores the double-edged weapon of total clairvoyant knowledge of the future * 'Probably the most intelligent science fiction writer in America' Ursula Le Guin * 'Highly original...absorbing' The Sunday Times * 'Makes one understand why his name is among the sf greats' The Times