Island

“Huxley’s final word about the human condition and the possibility of the good society. . . . Island is a welcome and in many ways unique addition to the select company of books—from Plato to now—that have presented, in imaginary terms, a coherent view of what society is not but might be.” —The New York Times Book Review

A utopian Pacific Ocean society is threatened by ruthless and greedy outside forces in Aldous Huxley’s final novel—a timely and relevant exploration of consciousness, humanism, fanaticism, and destruction—now available as a limited Olive Edition from Harper Perennial.

A provocative counterpoint to his worldwide classic Brave New World, Aldous Huxley's last novel introduces the Pacific island of Pala, home to a flourishing ideal society for 120 years. Aspiring to achieve a state of heightened consciousness, the islanders practice communal living, peacefully pursuing intellectual passions and spiritual meditation.

But the island’s bliss eventually attracts the envy of outsiders covetous of its natural resources, including its vast oil reserves. A devious plan to take over Pala is undertaken –but when a jaded newspaperman named Faranby orchestrates his own shipwreck on the island, as an agent for the conspirators, his experiences with its inhabitants unexpectedly revolutionize his values, and above all else, give him hope.

The full set of books in the 2026 Olive Editions series include:

• Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett
• Changing Planes by Ursula K. Le Guin
• Island by Aldous Huxley
• Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank
• The Princess Bride by William Goldman
• The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker
• Highfire by Eoin Colfer
• The World Wasn’t Ready for You by Justin Key

One of the 99 Best Modern Novels - New York Times Book Review