Controversial science fiction writer, J.G. Ballard, tells of his unorthodox upbringing in Shanghai in the 1940's. Ballard has achieved acclaim for works such as Empire of the Sun, and controversy over Crash, which investigates the psychosexual significance of the car crash. The book includes an article on Ballard Mythmaker of the 20th Century by William S. Burroughs, and chapter one of Crash, plus Ballard's introduction to the French edition.