Against the Fall of Night

In the year ten billion A.D., Diaspar is the last city on Earth. Alvin, the last person to be born in Diaspar, is drawn to the outside world. This early novella by Isaac Asimov remains a powerful and evocative depiction of the future of humanity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2019
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

In the year ten billion A.D., Diaspar stands as the final city on Earth, a stagnant and unyielding realm where the inhabitants have grown complacent and devoid of curiosity about the vast expanse beyond their city walls. Agelss, an unchanging force that governs their existence, has instilled a sense of apathy in their hearts, rendering them immune to the allure of the unknown. However, amidst this monotonous existence, a solitary child named Alvin emerges, standing as the last person to be born in Diaspar. Unlike his peers, Alvin finds himself increasingly drawn to the mysterious world that lies beyond the confines of their city. Despite the warnings of his elders, who caution him about the dangers that await outside, Alvin's insatiable thirst for knowledge and exploration drives him forward.

As Alvin delves deeper into the unknown, he discovers remnants of a civilization that once thrived on Earth. The Invaders, a mysterious group of extraterrestrial beings, are believed to be responsible for the devastation that has befallen the world. The scars of their presence are etched into the landscape, with abandoned cities and devastated landscapes serving as a haunting reminder of the chaos they wrought.

Despite the looming threat of the Invaders, Alvin's determination to uncover the truth grows stronger. He embarks on a perilous journey, braving the treacherous terrain and confronting the dangers that lie ahead. Along the way, he meets other survivors, each with their own unique stories and perspectives. Together, they form a small band of rebels, determined to reclaim their world from the Invaders and forge a new future for humanity.

Through their struggles and sacrifices, Alvin and his companions learn the true meaning of courage, resilience, and the power of unity. They realize that the Invaders may be a threat, but they are not the only ones who pose a danger to the world. The complacency and apathy of their own society are just as dangerous, as they risk becoming stagnant and irrelevant in the face of change.

In the end, Alvin and his fellow rebels succeed in their mission, defeating the Invaders and restoring peace to the world. Diaspar transforms into a vibrant city, filled with hope, curiosity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Alvin becomes a symbol of hope, inspiring generations to come to embrace the unknown and seek out the possibilities that lie beyond the boundaries of their own lives.

The City and the Stars remains a timeless masterpiece of science fiction, offering a profound exploration of the human condition and the potential for transformation in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future, and that the power of human determination and courage can overcome even the greatest of challenges.

Weight: 136g
Dimension: 198 x 128 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473222342