William Olaf Stapledon - known as Olaf Stapledon - was a British philosopher and author of several influential works of science fiction. Stapledon’s writings directly influenced C.S. Lewis, John Maynard Smith, Arthur C. Clarke, Bertrand Russell, and indirectly influenced many others.

“Olaf Stapledon was one of the most creative thinkers of our time. His influence on philosophy and science fiction is incalculable.” - Greg Bear

Published in 1947, “The Flames: A Fantasy” is a novella written by Science Fiction master Olaf Stapledon. While not as well known as Stapledon’s other works, The Flames is broken covers new ground in the author’s thinking. It takes up the theme of the dark Other with a controlled and sustained irony that makes it one of Stapleton’s best literary efforts.