A key book in Volodine's literary universe in which "post-exoticist" writers are imprisoned for subversion in a post-apocalyptic world.

Antoine Volodine is the primary pseudonym of a French writer who has published 20 books under this name, several of which are available in English translation, including Minor Angels, Naming the Jungle, and Writers. He also publishes under the names Lutz Bassmann (We Monks and Soldiers) and Manuela Draeger (In the Time of the Blue Ball). Most of his works take place in a post-apocalyptic world where members of the "post-exoticism" writing movement have all been arrested as subversive elements. Together, these works constitute one of the most inventive, ambitious projects of contemporary writing.

J.T. Mahany is a graduate of the masters program in literary translation at the University of Rochester. He is currently translating several books by the enigmatic and intriguing French author, Antoine Volodine.