First Impressions

This week's competition, to identify a book from its opening sentence, is from an early example of science fiction:

"No one would have believed in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man's and yet as mortal as his own."

* Entries, including postal address, should be sent to First Impressions, The Times Higher, Admiral House, 66-68 East Smithfield, London E1W 1BX, faxed to 020 7782 3300 or emailed to theschat@thes.co.uk

The winner receives a £25 book voucher. The closing date is July 18.

The winner of last week's competition, who identified The Journals of Captain Cook , was Peter Cook of the School of Law at Birmingham University.

THES (TSL Education Ltd) and its associated companies may from time to time wish to process, or disclose your data to approved third-party companies, in order to monitor our service and send you future promotions.

If you do not wish us to do this, please notify us by writing 'No promotions' on your entry.