John Fowles is one of the most outstanding (and deservedly popular) British writers of the twentieth century, a modern classic of the first caliber, the author of the worldwide bestsellers The Collector and The Magus, The French Lieutenant's Woman and The Ebony Tower.

In each of his creations, unlike his former self, Fowles, nevertheless, always remains himself - romantic and mysterious, shocking and at the same time attracting with its unbridled eroticism.

'Mantissa' is a novel about a novel, a resounding echo of what has been written and only barely discernible sounds of what will yet be written... And the main character is a writer, a creator, whose sensual fantasy creates a special world; passions rage in it, from captivity which he himself cannot escape.

What would happen if characters could talk to their authors? If they end up in the same room, how might it end?

'Mantissa' is the answer to this question.

The book's foundation rests on many layers of cultural soil.

Books like these make you want to think, make you want to read, and most importantly, make you want to create.