Almost anyone who has read or written science fiction or fantasy has
been inspired by the work of Michael Moorcock. His literary flair and
grand sense of adventure have been evident since his controversial first
novel Behold the Man, from the stories and novels featuring his most
famous character, Elric of Melniboné, to his fantasy masterpiece,
Gloriana, winner of both the Campbell Memorial and World Fantasy
awards for best novel. Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, and Michael Chabon all
cite Moorcock as a major influence; as editor of New Worlds magazine,
he helped launch the careers of many of his contemporaries, including
Harlan Ellison, Philip K. Dick, and J. G. Ballard.
Moorcock's first independent novel in nine years is a tale both
fantastical and autobiographical, a celebration of London and what it
meant to be young there in the years after World War II. The Whispering
Swarm is the first in a trilogy that will follow a young man named
Michael as he simultaneously discovers himself and a secret realm hidden
deep in the heart of London.
