Set on a distant planet, far in the future, West of January tells the story of a world in which time moves very slowly. Because it takes a lifetime for each region of the planet to experience dawn, midday and dusk, the planet's population does not remember the catastrophes that occur as the sun moves across the sky -- entire civilizations have been scorched into oblivion. The only people that remember the dangers of the past are the planet's "angels"--a people who have tried to preserve past technologies to save the planet.

Knobil, a young herdsman, is cast out of his tribe. As his search for a new life begins, he slowly realizes that the fates have chosen him for a special destiny. With the help of the angels he finds himself traveling across the planet, encountering different tribes and peoples. This fascinating journey brings young Knobil tremendous joy, unbearable pain and a true understanding of how things work in the real world.

This action-filled story of a very strange planet showcases Duncan's remarkable ability to create unique worlds. The character of Knobil is intricate and real, while the people that he meets on his journey are amazingly well thought out and their stories could make books of their own. The Bakka Collection is proud to be able to bring a classic of such magnitude back into print.