Take Jainism, sprinkle in a bit of Scandinavian mythology, add a pinch of Buddhism, get into a pipe, and ride the cosmos to Arcturus where the only trueth is that reality is as an illusion.

A Voyage to Arcturus is a surreal heady trip about a somewhat detatched protagonist, Maskull (Masculine? Mask-skull? both?) and his journey to the Final Pennance (the ultimate goal of Jainism.)

Readers will readily recognize the great influence this book has had on Director Luc Besson (Velerian, 5th Element), the Incal graphic novel series, the movie Circle of Iron, C. S. Lewis's Space Trilogy, even JRR. Tolkien said he read it "with avidity".

Although you will not find engaging characters or a gripping plot in this story, you will find many wonderful ideas and situations.