A rather dull book in a rather dull setting
Well, Science-fiction and Post-apocalyptic literature (a sub-genre of Science-fiction) have been around in one form or another for quite a while. In a way, this style of fiction could be said to go back as early as the first century with the publication of the Book of Revelation. In fact, Revelation could be considered to be one of the first books of this genre (though you could also argue that the writings of the Old Testament prophets also constituted the same). Science-fiction could be considered to be just as old, if once considers the writings of Lucian of Samosota. However, post-apocalyptic literature really did not come into vogue until after World War II, coincidentally with the development of the atomic bomb.
Science-fiction has always had a fascination with voyages to the moon (which is what Lucian's story is about) however it was not until the 19th century, ironically, with the writings of Mary Shelly, that science-fiction really began to gain traction. Once again, it is ironic that it was a woman who sent literature in this new direction, and she can also be credited with the first post-apocalyptic novel (the Last Man). However, despite Shelly's legacy, Jules Verne has been given the title as the Father of Science-Fiction (and rightly so) though I would have to admit that it was H.G. Wells that really started the entire trend. In the same way the father of fantasy literature was effectively Homer (fantasy literature is actually a lot older than science-fiction) and while Robert Howard's Conan novels clearly pre-date The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien is still considered to be the father of modern fantasy.
Now, as mentioned, post-apocalyptic literature does not really come on its own until after World War II, though it is very unclear as to who could be considered to be the author that really launched the genre. In fact, unless one considers H.G. Wells or Mary Shelly, there really is no actual author that can make this claim. The idea of a post-apocalyptic world has always been around, however the true nature of mutual assured destruction did not come about until the atomic bomb. Prior to that, wars would ravage lands, and plagues would decimate populations, but up until that time, it was generally always local. The Old Testament prophets speak of the promised land becoming a desolate waste after armies and plagues would ravage it, but once again this was a very local concept.
I have not read 'The Last Man' but I have read War of the Worlds. This is not strictly post-apocalyptic, and could more be considered apocalyptic, however as it turns out, in my mind this is merely science-fiction that tells the story of an alien invasion. H.G. Wells does not look beyond the events in the novel to explore what would happen afterwards. It is an idea that I have considered, but I do not believe that I am anywhere near as worthy to to add to or expand upon this novel (as if anybody is that worthy). Actually, come to think of it, I don't hold Wells in anywhere nearsas high as a regard as Jules Verne, but still, Wells, in some of his science-fiction books, does explore the concept of mutually assured destruction.
Now that I have discussed this sub-genre, you may be waiting for me to comment on this book. Actually, I am not. It was a long time ago, and it is a book that I really do not remember all that much, and from my glance over some of the reviews (it seems as if mine is the longest) there isn't much to talk about anyway. As such, I will leave it at that, and only recommend this book to those who love [author:Piers Anthony] so much that they will pretty much ignore anybody else's opinion and read this book anyway (if they can find a copy of it).
