C. P. Snow, New Lives for Old

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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 the discovery, the nature of rejuvenation itself, was bound to throw the accent

1780 words

Citation: Tredell, Nicolas. "New Lives for Old". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 13 April 2007 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=19405, accessed 19 March 2024.]

19405 New Lives for Old 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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