The Book of Caradoc — James Leigh

History's course is changed by way of great revolutions: in technology, agriculture, religion. And by heroes. But what if progress goes into reverse - because of wars, plagues, natural disasters - and people have to start again with just a few tools and half-remembered technologies? Caradoc's Britain survived some catastrophe (the "Withering") and re-grouped in small communes and larger Authorities, all developing but feuding and held back by gangs of metros living in the wreckage of old cities. Caradoc was a tinker from Dulwich 6B, a commune south of Westminster, a young man who, when his wife left him with their children, set out to explore his world and by chance and talent became the Dux Bellorum, or great war leader of his day. He disappeared finally but, like King Arthur, may one day return. His story is told by an old diplomat who knew him and has unique access to the journals of Ayling, Caradoc's chronicler and companion.