Synopsis

The first of the semi-finals is being held at Christ's Hospital, Sussex, welcoming a distinguished group of visitors. Among them are John Campbell, a travel agent with a penchant for Arthur C. Clarke’s novels; David Greensmith, a solicitor whose literary tastes lean towards the life and works of Charlie Parker; Alexis King, an articled clerk deeply interested in the history of cricket; and Ingram Wilcox, a civil servant with a passion for zoology, particularly mammals.