The Fear Index By Robert Harris
Learn from me,If not by my precepts,At least by my example,How dangerous it is the acquirement of knowledge,And how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world,Then he Who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow. -Mary Shelley 1818
Dr. Alexander Hoffman sat by the fire in his study in Geneva,A half smoke cigar line cold in the ashtray beside him,An angle poise lamp pulled low over his shoulder,Turning the pages of the first edition of the expressions of emotions in men and animals by Charles Darwin.
The Victorian grandfather clock on the hallWall What's striking midnight the Hoffman did not hear it.Nor did he notice that the fire was almost out.All of his formidable powers of attention we're directed onto his book.