Babel
Or the Necessity of Violence: an Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution
(Author) R.F. KuangTHE #2 SUNDAY TIMES AND #1 NYT BESTSELLER 'One for Philip Pullman fans' THE TIMES 'This one is an automatic buy' GLAMOUR 'Ambitious, sweeping and epic' EVENING STANDARD 'Razor-sharp' DAILY MAIL 'An ingenious fantasy about empire' GUARDIAN Traduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal. Oxford, 1836. The city of dreaming spires. It is the centre of all knowledge and progress in the world. And at its centre is Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. The tower from which all the power of the Empire flows. Orphaned in Canton and brought to England by a mysterious guardian, Babel seemed like paradise to Robin Swift. Until it became a prison... But can a student stand against an empire? An incendiary new novel from award-winning author R.F. Kuang about the power of language, the violence of colonialism, and the sacrifices of resistance. 'A masterpiece that resonates with power and knowledge. BABEL is a stark picture of the cruelty of empire, a distillation of dark academia, and a riveting blend of fantasy and historical fiction - a monumental achievement' Samantha Shannon, author of THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE R.F. Kuang's book 'Babel' was a New York Times bestseller w/c 11-09-2022.
R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang is a Chinese-American author known for her dark and immersive fantasy novels. Her most notable work is "The Poppy War" trilogy, which explores themes of war, imperialism, and power through a richly imagined world inspired by Chinese history. Kuang's writing style is characterized by its vivid imagery, complex characters, and unflinching portrayal of violence. She has been praised for her ability to blend historical events with fantastical elements, creating a unique and compelling reading experience. Kuang's contributions to the fantasy genre have been widely celebrated, with "The Poppy War" trilogy earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. Her impact on literature lies in her ability to challenge traditional tropes and conventions, offering readers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on familiar themes.