Infinity Strings

Employing the Japanese form of tan-renga, award-winning poets Hifsa Ashraf (Pakistan) and R.C. Thomas (UK) present Infinity Strings. In this collection of collaborative micropoetry, they explore humanity's ever-evolving relationship with modern life, technology, science, artificial intelligence, space, and other phenomena.

This dynamic and versatile collection expands upon itself with nine abstract artworks, combining scenic photography with black and white illustrations to home in on the dystopian and science fiction themes.

From the back cover: 'It's 3.04am. You can't sleep. You pull up the blinds and look out your window. The universe whirrs on. The moon grows more distant by the year. There's a shooting star. You mistake it for a phosphene and rub it from your bloodshot eyes. The sun will come up soon. It's had enough. It's going to leave. Take it all in while you can. But then your smartphone pings. Which bright light are you going to look into? Moon, sun, or digital screen? Sound familiar? Are science, society, and technology all shouting for your attention? Then come and join us in reality. Or unreality. You decide...'

'I love this fascinating and compelling sequence, utilising the unique dynamic of Tan-Renga to travel the distance between poetry and science, in order to close-in on new connections...' - Tim Allen, Author of The Indescribable Thrill of the Half-Volley

'Infinity Strings is a speculative gem that even H. G. Wells and Isaac Asimov themselves could have approved.' - M. R. Defibaugh, Former Editor of the Tan-Renga Chapbook Series

'This is a book of experiment and invention, traveling deep into the core of lived and imagined experience.' - John Hawkhead, Author of Four Horse Parable

'The human race is explored in a wonderful prosperity of play intermingled by serious thought: Hifsa Ashraf and R.C. Thomas have cracked time tourism!' - Alan Summers, Founder of Call of the Page