J. J. Connington
Nordenholt's Million
"Nordenholt's Million" by J. J. Connington is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a near-future world where an ecological disaster, signified by a mysterious "Blight," threatens the very foundation of society. The main character, Flint, is a successful businessman who becomes embroiled in the unfolding catastrophe that poses global food shortages, while also meeting a key figure, Nordenholt, whose actions appear pivotal in addressing the crisis. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Flint, who reflects on his prior success in the automobile industry before encountering Wotherspoon, a scientist whose alleged incompetence ironically parallels the impending disaster. After a peculiar incident with a fire-ball that disrupts Wotherspoon's lab, strange occurrences in nature soon escalate to alarming proportions with reports of a blight devastating crops across London. As the narrative progresses, Flint is drawn into a larger conflict littered with political intrigue and moral dilemmas, especially as the government faces public panic over food shortages and desperate measures must be proposed. The opening not only sets the stage for a gripping exploration of societal collapse but also forebodes the choices leaders will have to make for survival in this ravaged world.