Vidal, Gore

Kalki [Political Satire]

Franklin Center, PA: The Franklin Library, 1978. Illustrated by George H. Jones.

No Flaws or Blemishes; Gift Quality. Unopened, unread.

Bound in full leather with 22-karat gold accents on the spine and cover, this edition exudes elegance and sophistication. The acid-neutral, gilded-edge pages ensure longevity, while the silk moiré endpapers and attached ribbon bookmark enhance its luxurious appeal. Featuring archival-quality paper and a Smyth-sewn binding, it is both a durable and visually striking collector’s piece.

Gore Vidal's Kalki (1978) is a compelling, dystopian novel set in the near future of the 1980s, where the arrival of Kalki, the modern-day incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, threatens societal collapse. The protagonist, claiming to be Kalki, sets out to bring about the end of the world in a journey that is both apocalyptic and redemptive.

Vidal uses this premise to examine themes of power, corruption, and human weakness. His sharp critique of political institutions, especially the American government, is intertwined with a deep exploration of religious mythology’s influence on society. Kalki blends speculative and historical fiction, presenting a world both familiar and frighteningly possible. It challenges readers with reflections on history, fate, and free will, all while offering dark intellectual entertainment.

Genres: Historical Fiction; Satire or Political Satire; Literary Fiction; Dystopian or Speculative Fiction.

Item #20067

Price: $24.00