Other editions of book The City of Gold and Lead

In the second book of John Christopher's classic series, Will Parker and his cohorts have spent a year living among the free men in the White Mountains. The Resistance charges them, now wearing realistic yet harmless caps, to infiltrate a Tripod city by competing in a sporting exhibition called "the Games" (very similar in nature to the Summer Olympics), in which the winners of the events are to be offered to the Tripods for service.

Long ago, the Tripods--huge, three-legged machines--descended upon Earth and took control. Now people unquestioningly accept the Tripods' power. They have no control over their thoughts or their lives. But for a brief time in each person's life--in childhood--he is not a slave. For Will, his time of freedom is about to end--unless he can escape to the White Mountains, where the possibility of freedom still exists. The Tripods trilogy follows the adventures of Will and his cohorts, as they try to evade the Tripods and maintian their freedom and ultimately do battle against them. The prequel, When the Tripods Came, explains how the Tripods first invaded and gained control of the planet.

"Will, Beanpole, and Henry have managed to escapes the Tripods. But instead of living in safety, in a small Swiss community of free people, they choose to embark on a mission that may cost them their lives. Each year, a series of Games is held in Germany. The winners are given the honor of serving the Tripods. Those who are Capped consider it the highest honor. Those who are free know it is an ideal opportunity to infiltrate the City-and perhaps, free the world."

Long ago, the Tripods--huge, three-legged machines--descended upon Earth and took control. Now people unquestioningly accept the Tripods' power. They have no control over their thoughts or their lives. But for a brief time in each person's life--in childhood--he is not a slave. For Will, his time of freedom is about to end--unless he can escape to the White Mountains, where the possibility of freedom still exists. The Tripods trilogy follows the adventures of Will and his cohorts, as they try to evade the Tripods and maintain their freedom and ultimately do battle against them. The prequel, When the Tripods Came, explains how the Tripods first invaded and gained control of the planet.

Will, Henry, and Beanpole have been living in the White Mountains with the last community of free people on Earth, training to fight against the Tripods. Now there is an opportunity for them to obtain vital information -- every year, young men come from all over to compete in a series of Games, and the winners are taken to the City of the Tripods. Will intends to be one of them. But although many enter the City, no one ever comes out. How will he escape with what he must risk his life to learn? Thirty-five years after its original publication, we are proud to offer this anniversary edition of The City of Gold and Lead, featuring a new preface from John Christopher, as well as the author's fully revised text, available in the United States for the first time.