399 pages. The half title page is discoloured around the edges, possibly caused by an insert long since removed. A clean, unmarked and solid copy, but obviously second hand. Bookplate on front end paper. "A late book in the Wells oeuvre - this one takes place in 1939-40 and concerns a young man and woman trying to make sense of the war, their educations and each other. Like Mr Britling Sees it Through, it is much about civilian life during wartime and like all things that Wells wrote there is much of interest regarding sex and gender, education in the big scheme of things and what do we do with the world we inherit. Lots to think about. " (Lauren goodreads)