Combining elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, the novel introduced readers to the fantastically complex city of New Crobuzon, filled with insect-headed khepri, cactus-shaped cactacae, and terrifying slake moths that feed on their victims' dreams. It also sparked broader interest in what became known as the 'new weird.' After 'Perdido''s success (commemorated this year with a quickly-sold-out collector's edition from The Folio Society), Mieville continued to meld genres in novels like 'The City and the City' and 'Embassytown.' But he stopped publishing fiction for nearly a decade, only to reemerge last year with The New York Times bestseller 'The Book of Elsewhere,' co-written with Keanu Reeves. (Yes, that Keanu Reeves.) Mieville is also a compelling observer and critic ' of politics, of cities, of science fiction and fantasy. So while we started our conversation by discussing his breakthrough book, I also took the opportunity to ask about the relationship between...
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