State of Fear (novel) - Definition and Overview

State of Fear is a 2004 novel by Michael Crichton published by HarperCollins on December 7, 2004. Continuing with his speciality of scientific extrapolation, the novel concerns a small band of eco-terrorists who threaten the Earth. The book contains many graphs and footnotes related to the global climate and it has stimulated further discussions about the global warming controversy. The protagonist is Peter Evans, a lawyer who is pro-environment. Throughout the novel, Evans is constantly challenged by other characters, especially John Kenner, on his views of environmentalism, particularly global warming. It is also unique among Crichton's novels, in that he provides at the end of the book his own personal view. He says that he believes that the world is heating up, but that the causes, consequences and benefits or harms are unknown. He also argues passionately against the politicisation of science, for the preservation of wilderness and for the continuing of research into all aspects of the Earth's environment.

The novel initially printed in 1.5 million copies was being sold as the #1 bestseller at amazon.com.

External links

• Slate review of book (http://slate.msn.com/id/2110815/fr/rss/)
• Official site from Michael Crichton (http://www.crichton-official.com/fear/index.html)
• Official site from HarperCollins (http://www.harpercollins.com/global_scripts/product_catalog/book_xml.asp?isbn=0066214130)
• ISBN 0066214130
• Talk of the Town in the New Yorker (http://www.newyorker.com/talk/content/?050103ta_talk_kolbert)
• RealClimate discussion of the book (http://www.realclimate.org/index.php?p=74)
• Tech Central Station review (http://www.techcentralstation.com/011905B.html)