Bantam, London, 1999.  ISBN 0-593-04306-5.  Trade soft cover, 404 pages.  Unread remaindered copy; light edge and cover wear, sticker ghost on front wrap; small spots on fore-edge page block; pages lightly tanned.  ‘Seventeen years after his birth, self-exile takes Bane to a rats’ nest, seen by some to represent all that is eternal and holy: the Great City of Stone.  Here, where gladiators kill for a living, where learning and culture conceal an inner corruption and decay, the Crimson Priests have created a reign of terror by breeding enough malice and hatred to last a hundred lifetimes.  Yet here, too, the beleaguered Tree Cultists, led by the mysterious Veiled Lady, endeavour to practice their philosophy of love and harmony.’ (from rear wrap)