The Image and the Likeness

"The Image and the Likeness" by John Scott Campbell is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The narrative unfolds in a post-war Asia where a group of anthropologists and a zoologist embark on an expedition to understand "New Buddhism," a nationalistic religion gaining traction in Pan-Asia. However, their journey leads them to discover a colossal figure known as Kazu Takahashi, believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha, who has been affected by the aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing, raising themes of identity, power, and the intersection of science and mythology. The opening of the novel introduces us to a group of four scientists—William Cady, Llewelyn Baker, Walter Chamberlin, and Robert Martin—who arrive in Shanghai in 1965, keenly aware of the political changes in the region. Their expedition ostensibly revolves around studying Celebese man, yet they are also secretly tasked with investigating New Buddhism, which harbors potential ties to communist movements. As they dive deeper into their mission, they witness an unexpected phenomenon: the awakening of Kazu, an enormous entity that challenges their notions of life and reality. The narrative captures their escalating fears and the dangerous knowledge they unveil, ultimately compelling them to confront Kazu's true nature and the implications of their discoveries on both a personal and global scale.