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The Time Before This is a work of speculative fiction by British author Nicholas Monsarrat, first published in 1962. As the opening volume of his Signs of the Times series, the novel departs from the maritime themes for which the author is best known, offering instead a cautionary parable regarding human nature and global survival.
The narrative centers on a discovery made on the icy slopes of Bylot Island in the Canadian Arctic. The story is recounted by Peter Benton, a journalist who encounters a man named Shepherd. Shepherd shares a vision of a highly evolved ancient civilization that once existed on Earth, providing evidence of their advanced society and the catastrophic atomic holocaust that ultimately led to their destruction. Through this encounter, the novel explores themes of greed, societal decline, and the potential for humanity to repeat the mistakes of the past. It serves as a reflective warning to contemporary readers, challenging the cynicism and complacency of the modern generation. This concise, thought-provoking story remains a notable entry in Monsarrat’s diverse literary career.
Used (good, see images, some yellowing and dust jacket tear) Hardcover
