This collection investigates the intersection of technology, media, and human psychology as the twentieth century draws to a close. J.G. Ballard, a prominent novelist known for his exploration of dystopian landscapes, utilizes his background as a cultural observer to dissect the artifacts of modern life. Through a series of essays and reviews, he presents a framework that views the late millennium as a period defined by the convergence of science, film, and the subconscious desires of the public.

The collection is regarded as a vital companion to Ballard's fictional output, offering a clear window into the intellectual preoccupations that fueled his novels. The writing is noted for its clinical precision and its ability to identify the underlying anxieties of the modern age.