"Locus Solus" is an eccentric and highly imaginative novel written by the French poet and novelist Raymond Roussel (1877–1933). Published in 1914, it's considered an outstanding and unique example of early 20th-century experimental literature, incorporating themes of scientific wonder, complex visual imagery, and bizarre and sometimes absurd scenarios. Roussel's dense narrative and unique structure have caused the book to become a cult classic among certain literary circles, with many considering it to be a prime example of proto-surrealism. The novel's title, "Locus Solus," is Latin for "solitary place," a fitting name for the novel's primary setting: the private estate of an eccentric inventor and scholar named Martial Canterel. Here's a more detailed summary: The story begins when a group of esteemed individuals (including scientists, a cardinal, and a prince) are invited to Canterel's sprawling estate, Locus Solus, situated in a remote location near Paris. The guests are assembled to witness a series of extraordinary and seemingly impossible demonstrations of Canterel's inventions. The narrative then follows Canterel as he escorts his guests around his estate, showcasing several peculiar devices and their outcomes. These include: 1. A diamond-encrusted beetle: Canterel reveals a mechanical beetle adorned with a diamond, which, when activated, constructs a mosaic of extraordinary complexity and beauty from natural debris. 2. Resurrected corpses: Perhaps one of the most memorable of Canterel's demonstrations is his 'resurrecting fluid.' Using this invention, he brings back to life a series of corpses, which are then set to perform strange and eerie tableaus of their life's significant moments. 3. A 'talking' severed head: Another startling invention is a severed head that, through an intricate mechanism, recites a tragic narrative of love and death. 4. The air-ship: Canterel's air-ship invention, a balloon made from an extremely light and durable substance, is capable of predicting the weather. 5. A huge glass cage with three children inside, who appear to change age and identity as they move through different sections of the cage. Each invention unfolds its unique narrative, often filled with dramatic episodes from the past and occasionally projected into the future. Canterel's demonstrations are not just visual spectacles, but often provide social commentaries and philosophical insights. Despite the episodic nature of the story, "Locus Solus" is not entirely disjointed. It does have a loose structure, which is primarily formed by the constant presence of Canterel and his guests. However, the narrative focus is squarely on the incredible inventions and their accompanying stories, making the novel an imaginative exploration of storytelling itself. "Locus Solus" is a complex text that weaves together an array of philosophical and scientific ideas, integrating them into a narrative that breaks conventional storytelling rules. The novel can be read as a critique of modern science's attempt to control and manipulate life, a meditation on art and creativity, or simply a surreal and dazzling flight of fancy. Of course, the name Locus Solus is used in Ghost In The Shell: Innocence, one of the best anime of all time. The text is a prime example of [[worldmaking]] that reverberates through time.