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One of science fiction's enduring themes revolves around a catastrophic event that forces humanity back to primitive survival. This concept became especially pertinent after the United States dropped atomic bombs at the end of World War II, making it clear that mankind now had the power to trigger a global disaster. The genre quickly dove into exploring the consequences, with speculative tales emerging well before the Manhattan Project even began.
Yet, nuclear disaster isn't the only way humanity's fragile civilization could be dismantled. It's even possible that such an event has occurred before in our history, as most cultures carry myths of a Great Flood. Despite over 60 years of nuclear potential, no such catastrophe has occurred—yet it's still something worth considering in our ongoing exploration of the future.
That doesn't mean we shouldn't continue to imagine these possibilities. In this list, you'll find 10 science fiction novels that tackle humanity's reaction to massive destruction. These selections are presented in no particular order. This is not a 'top ten' list, nor is it meant to be exhaustive. If your personal favorite isn't listed, feel free to share your thoughts—this compilation simply explores one theme.
10. Lucifer's Hammer by Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle
This widely popular novel from 1997 explores the devastating consequences of a comet striking Earth. The story focuses on a wide array of distinct characters, each undergoing significant personal changes, even before the comet's impact. While much of the narrative unfolds prior to the event, when the 'Hammer' finally falls, civilization as we know it is shattered. The survival of these characters becomes uncertain, and new social structures emerge out of necessity, forcing people to unite despite their mistrust of one another. The novel is remarkable for how it invests readers in its characters, despite there being numerous individuals to follow.
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9. On The Beach by Nevil Shute
Arguably the first widely distributed post-apocalyptic science fiction novel (1957), this story depicts the aftermath of atomic warfare. Set against the backdrop of Cold War tensions, it became a staple in high school curriculums during the 1960s and 70s. The narrative, however, does not glorify human resilience in the face of disaster. Rather, it focuses on stoic acceptance and even government-sponsored euthanasia. The characters don't dwell on despair; they simply carry on with their lives. The plot centers on a U.S. submarine placed under Australian command as the northern regions of Earth become uninhabitable. While it left a lasting impact on young readers and is considered a classic, the author of this list views it as the weakest science fiction entry.
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8. Earth Abides by George R. Stewart
Written before On The Beach, in 1949, Earth Abides presents a scenario where a global epidemic wipes out nearly the entire human population, leaving a solitary protagonist to grapple with the aftermath. The destruction is on such a massive scale that it makes the Black Death appear as trivial as a common cold. Although the novel earned accolades and remains in print, it never garnered the same attention as On The Beach. While it offers a gripping initial read, its impact wanes over time. The protagonist, who was isolated in the mountains when the plague struck, spends a long stretch of the story alone. He was bitten by a rattlesnake and nearly died, thus missing the chaotic collapse of society. A large portion of the book focuses on the power struggles in a decimated world, observing the fate of animals and plants. However, the narrative can feel slow, and when the protagonist eventually meets a woman, the pacing doesn't improve. The story ultimately explores the creation of a new society by the few survivors' descendants.
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7. A Canticle For Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr.
This 1961 Hugo Award-winning novel is considered a definitive classic, even beyond the realm of science fiction. However, for those who aren't Catholic or interested in religious themes, it can be a particularly challenging read. Set centuries after a nuclear apocalypse, it follows a U.S. monastery dedicated to preserving scientific knowledge until humanity can rebuild a technology-driven society. The monastery was founded by Leibowitz, a man who converted from Judaism (the novel is heavily infused with religious themes). The plot centers on a character who discovers a hidden collection of writings believed to have belonged to Leibowitz, leading to the Church's involvement in verifying its authenticity. A significant portion of the book delves into the debate over whether Leibowitz should be canonized. As time progresses, the story explores a new Renaissance and the rise of technology once again, accompanied by the usual political intrigue and betrayal that typically accompany power struggles, especially within the Church. The novel can be seen as an allegory for the Church's role in shaping society from the Dark Ages through to the Industrial Revolution.
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6. The Postman David Brin
The film adaptation of the novel starring Kevin Costner disappointed a great number of viewers. This was hardly surprising, as it failed to capture the novel's central theme: that in the aftermath of a holocaust, people will hold on to whatever semblance of normalcy they can find. In the movie, Costner's character is portrayed as a typical cinematic hero, whereas in the book, he is deeply uneasy with the role he is thrust into. The protagonist finds himself astounded by the trust others place in him, simply because he is wearing the attire of a postman. Initially, he doesn't intend to deliver mail, but as the story unfolds, he gradually transforms into the very image of the role he adopts. This evolution is set against the backdrop of humanity struggling to rebuild communication and a sense of community in a world torn apart. Naturally, there are those who choose to exploit the situation for their own gain, and in this context, the Postman becomes a key figure in the ongoing battle between good and evil.
Buy the book on Amazon: The Postman (Bantam Classics)
5. Eternity Road Jack McDevitt
This is the sole ‘quest’ novel on the list. Set a thousand years from now, after a devastating plague, humanity exists in small, isolated groups, relying on technology akin to that of the Amish, and possessing a similar insular social structure. However, remnants of the past remain, with ruins and decayed roads scattered throughout the land — the ancient 'Roadmakers' left visible evidence of their existence. Many believe there is a place called Haven, where the lost secrets of their technology are waiting to be uncovered. But as the story begins, a previous expedition in search of Haven has been destroyed, leaving only one survivor. Throughout the journey, the rarity and value of the Roadmakers' books are a recurring theme. Eventually, a new group embarks on the same perilous path that led to disaster. As expected, there are adventures along the way, and the novel is meticulously crafted, with characters that feel real. The ending may leave some readers desiring something different, but that wasn’t an issue for the author of this list.
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4. The Wild Shore Kim Stanley Robinson
The story begins with a nuclear war from not too long ago, but this novel takes a different approach compared to many others in the genre. Set along California's coastline, a small community manages to scrape by. Some people engage in farming, while others fish with nets. A group of teenagers works but also sneaks off to explore areas they probably shouldn’t. There's a fascinating portrayal of people from different walks of life coming together for trade and celebration. The key theme of the book, however, revolves around the shifting balance of global power: Japan has now taken the lead, while the U.S. has been relegated to the sidelines. Despite this, the state is largely left to manage on its own, with minimal interference as long as rebuilding efforts don’t gain traction. Attempts are made to rebuild infrastructure, like bridges and railroads, but these efforts are continuously thwarted by aerial attacks. At its core, the novel is about human relationships, especially the strained relationship between the protagonist and his father—a stern, detached figure who holds significant authority in the community, particularly over the fishing operations. This ambitious novel presents a fresh perspective on the post-apocalyptic genre, and interestingly, the author went on to write two more books exploring other possible futures for Orange County.
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3. Alas, Babylon Pat Frank
This once-popular novel from 1959, Alas, Babylon, has unfortunately faded into obscurity over time, but it remains one of the most compelling depictions of the aftermath of nuclear war. Set in Florida, it tells the story of a small community that finds itself somewhat fortunate in terms of the fallout patterns. The protagonist receives a bit of warning due to his brother's position with SAC, and soon people start figuring out how to survive in a world where normal life has completely disintegrated. The novel also provides an insightful commentary on the state of race relations, reflecting the era of its writing just before the civil rights movement. Today's readers might find themselves drawn to the character of Malachai, one of the standout figures in the novel. The portrayal of practical survival tactics—such as a young girl figuring out how to catch fish when they’re not biting due to intense heat and a dangerous expedition to locate salt—combined with strong character development, elevates Alas, Babylon as a classic of the genre. It’s a must-read, especially if you’re preparing for a doomsday scenario of your own.
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2. Planet Of The Apes Pierre Boulle
Who isn’t familiar with this iconic story? It has become a staple of pop culture. While the movies stayed true to some of the key themes from the book (time dilation, the division of ape society into military, judicial, and scientific roles based on race, the degradation of humanity, and so on), many will be surprised to learn that the novel differs significantly from what we typically associate with the Planet of the Apes franchise. In fact, one could argue that this book might not even belong on this list at all! But that’s all I’ll say for now—no spoilers. Ultimately, the inclusion of POTA had to be justified, otherwise, the outcry over its omission would have been too much to handle.
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1. I Am Legend Richard Matheson
This is one of those stories where we have to touch on both films and television, as well as the original book. Starting with the films, the best adaptation of Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel came in 1971 with *The Omega Man*. Lesser adaptations include *The Last Man on Earth* (1964) and *I Am Legend* (2007). As for TV, it’s safe to say that most of your favorite *Twilight Zone* episodes were either written by Matheson or Rod Serling himself—Matheson contributing the most. Matheson’s primary legacy lies in his incredibly extensive TV credits, though he was also an excellent writer for print. His short story “Born of Man and Woman” is twice as unsettling as Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery.” Regarding *I Am Legend*, the author of this list believes that *The Omega Man*’s ending is superior to the one in the novel, which is a rare occurrence in adaptations. The story itself revolves around a plague (this time, caused by biological weapons). The protagonist has an experimental vaccine, which he uses just in time. There are also a group of naturally immune people, but they have an aversion to light and form a dangerous cult. The protagonist spends his days scavenging for supplies but must return before nightfall to fight off these strange “vampires” who are hunting him. Some subplots, which actually add to the story, weave in, making this an exemplary piece of the incredible body of work Matheson produced throughout his legendary career.
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