According to Jorge Wilheim’s Fax Messages from a Near Future, (Earthscan,
£8.99, ISBN 1 85383 376 2) we are heading for a series of technological
disasters—a 15 000-vehicle traffic jam in Los Angeles, for
instance—and a stupendous rise in crime, topped off by natural disasters
including a spate of earthquakes. But humanity, chastened, will survive to make
a better world. The fax messages are sent by someone living in 2024. Because of
some ricochet of the arrow of time they are received by a present-day and
startled Brazilian. The book carries overtones of H. G. Wells and is written
with humour and the odd hint of satire.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Environment
Most portable air conditioners suck – but there's an easy fix
Comment
Space
Gas from Uranus reveals it has an icy centre
News
ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
Can prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics help your ageing microbiome?
Comment
Life
Remarkable fossils rewrite the story of how animals conquered the land
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
2
A quantum state that lasts forever may finally be within our grasp
3
The secrets to keeping your brain sharp in old age
4
Can prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics help your ageing microbiome?
5
Our brains have their first thoughts surprisingly early in life
6
Autism may have two distinct subtypes that vary by brain activity
7
New Scientist recommends an excellent look at the future of work
8
Walking shark found in Papua New Guinea is new to science
9
Almost the whole of Japan moved eastward after 2011 earthquake
10
Vaping after quitting smoking is linked to lung cancer
