Vermilion Sands by JG Ballard
Details
Vermilion Sands is a 1971 collection of science fiction short stories by J.G. Ballard, set in a fictional, futuristic desert resort town inspired by places like Palm Springs, where leisure and bizarre art forms dominate life. The stories explore themes of art, technology, and psychological decay through unique concepts like psychotropic houses that retain emotions, singing orchids, and automated poetry machines, often featuring jaded socialites and damaged adventurers. It's known for its playful, ironic tone, which is lighter than much of Ballard's other work.
It's available on the Internet Archive.
