Novel which opens with “A squat grey building of only thirty-four storeys”

The Birth of the Novel

In ancient Greece, the word "novel" was derived from the Greek word "novos," meaning "new." This meant that a new work of literature was born, a departure from the traditional forms of storytelling.

The Doors of Perception

In Aldous Huxley's famous novel "Brando," the character John Houseman contemplates the doors of perception, questioning the nature of reality and the impact of human experience.

The Iron Gate

The iron gate of the prison highlights the struggle for freedom and the idea of a "squat" independent living community, challenging the traditional notions of power and control.

Flat Grey Skies

In the 19th-century novel "Flat Earth," the protagonist navigates through a world where the flat grey skies and lack of mystery challenge his perceptions of reality and the world around him.

The Building Boogie

When the building boom was in full swing, the phrase "building boom" became a euphemism for the rapid growth of urban centers, symbolizing the excitement and energy of the era.

A Limited Edition Run

The limited edition run of a book was a novel (pun intended) innovation, allowing readers to own a unique copy of a book and share in the excitement of the first edition.

The Thirty-Four Principles of Robotics

In Isaac Asimov's science fiction novel "The Caves of Steel," the Thirty-Four Principles of Robotics are a set of rules that robots must follow to avoid harming humans, a reflection of the responsibility that comes with artificial intelligence.

A Handmade Home Store

The handmade home store was a store that sold everything, from craft supplies to building materials, reflecting the eclectic and artisanal nature of the products on offer.

A Decade of Progress

The decade of the 1930s was a time of great progress and change, marked by the construction of skyscrapers like the building in "The Building Boom."

The Pigment Gray

In the pigmented grey earth color, the artist drew inspiration from the grey tones of the earth, elevating the aesthetic of the landscape to a new level.

The Squirrel Factory

The squirrel factory was a real place, where grey squirrels were raised and sold to the public, a testament to the innovative spirit of industrialization.

A Dozen Steps

The dozen steps of the novel "Pride and Prejudice" were a crucial part of the story, leading the protagonist Elizabeth Bennet into a complicated relationship with Mr. Darcy.

Squash and Sage

In the novel "Garden of the Gods," the squash and sage plants symbolize the idea of growth and renewal, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and the importance of nature.

Only One Way

The only way forward, according to the novel "The Lord of the Rings," was to push forward, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty.

Thirty-Four Stories

The Thirty-Four Stories, a collection of short stories by Tennessee Williams, explores themes of love, death, and the human condition, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the human experience.

A Store of Knowledge

The store of knowledge was a place of learning and discovery, where scholars and students gathered to share their findings and expand their understanding of the world.

Squatting on the Roof

Squatting on the roof was a common practice in the 19th century, as the wealthy built elaborate mansions with square profiles, reflecting the architectural ideals of the time.

Grey Skies at Dawn

The grey skies at dawn were a stark contrast to the vibrant colors of the setting sun, highlighting the ambiguity and uncertainty of life.

Building a Home

Building a home was a labor of love, a project that required patience, dedication, and attention to detail, reflecting the love and care that went into creating a new space.

Only One Way to Do It

The only way to do it was to follow the instructions, to take the risk, to push forward with confidence, reflecting the idea that sometimes, it takes courage to take the first step.

Thirty-Four Years

The thirty-four years of the novel "The Thirty-Four Years" were a significant period in the life of the main character, a time of growth, learning, and self-discovery.

Storey High

The storey high of the skyscraper was a testament to human ingenuity and the power of technology to elevate and transform our world.

Squatting in the Rain

Squatting in the rain was a common practice in the 19th century, as the wealthy built elaborate mansions with square profiles, reflecting the architectural ideals of the time.

Grey Skies and Broken Promises

The grey skies and broken promises of the novel "The Grey Skies and Broken Promises" reflected the disillusionment and sense of unease that pervaded the lives of