Last Man

The Last Man is a powerful, post-apocalyptic tale of a future laid waste by plague, predating the works of H.G. Wells, George Orwell, Philip K. Dick, and Harlan Ellison. Flame Tree 451 offers a diverse range of stories, including werewolves, mechanical men, vampires, villains, mad scientists, secret worlds, lost civilizations, and escapist fantasies, with new biographies and glossaries of Literary, Gothic, and Victorian terms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 16 July 2019
Publisher: Flame Tree Publishing

The Last Man is a remarkable and early dystopian masterpiece of classic science fiction, which has had a profound influence on the genre. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by plague, the novel tells the story of Lionel Varney, an indolent nobleman who is immune to the disease. As civilization slowly crumbles around him, Varney witnesses the devastating effects of the plague on humanity and is forced to confront the imminent extinction of the species.

Overshadowed by the immense popularity of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, The Last Man has been somewhat neglected in the annals of literature. However, this remarkable work deserves to be recognized as a masterpiece in its own right. It offers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of themes that would later become central to science fiction literature, including the consequences of scientific progress, the nature of humanity, and the survival of the species.

The novel's setting in a post-apocalyptic world adds an extra layer of intensity and suspense to the story. The world is in ruins, and the few remaining survivors struggle to eke out a living in a world that has been stripped of its former glory. The plague has wiped out entire populations, leaving behind a desolate and barren landscape. Varney, as the only immune individual, is forced to navigate this new world and confront the challenges that it presents.

One of the most striking aspects of The Last Man is its portrayal of humanity. The characters in the novel are complex and multifaceted, and their reactions to the unfolding events are deeply human. Varney, for example, is initially selfish and indolent, but as he witnesses the devastation of the plague, he begins to question his own values and priorities. He becomes increasingly aware of the importance of community and the need to work together to survive.

The novel also explores the consequences of scientific progress. The plague is caused by a scientific experiment gone wrong, and the novel raises questions about the ethical implications of scientific experimentation and the potential for unintended consequences. Varney, as a nobleman who has benefited from the advances of science, is forced to confront the moral dilemmas that arise from his own actions.

The Last Man is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that has had a lasting impact on the genre of science fiction. Its exploration of themes such as the nature of humanity, the consequences of scientific progress, and the survival of the species is still relevant today. The novel's unique setting in a post-apocalyptic world adds an extra layer of intensity and suspense to the story, and its characters are complex and relatable.

In conclusion, The Last Man is a brilliant and early dystopian tale of classic science fiction that deserves to be recognized as a masterpiece in its own right. It is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of themes that would later become central to science fiction literature, and its unique setting in a post-apocalyptic world adds an extra layer of intensity and suspense to the story. Whether you are a fan of classic science fiction or are exploring the genre for the first time, The Last Man is a must-read.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787556225