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First published in 1958 when a significant number of British scientific novels explored the fear and horror of a nuclear holocaust or some other apocalyptic destruction, notably in The Day of the Triffids. In Charles Eric Maine's novel, nuclear tests have resulted in a crack in the Earth's crust into which the seas and oceans start to drain. Out the outset people refuse to accept it, but as the reality becomes inevitable, authorities find they have to act, and act fast. But how does government protect society in a world where there are no oceans, so no rain, no crops and no food? Maine settles on how one human struggles for survival in this disintegrating world and shows that 'fake news' is far from new. When London journalist Philip Wade learns that his article on nuclear weapons testing has been censored by the British government, his interest turns to the attempted cover-up. His investigation leads to a mysterious job offer in a newly-formed government department, and here the truth of the oncoming catastrophe is revealed. It is a pity the author uses 'sardonically' so often, in this otherwise excellent 'forgotten' classic brought back into print by the British Library. 236pp, paperback.