Last And First Men
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One of the most extraordinary, imaginative and ambitious novels of the century: a history of the evolution of humankind over the next 2 billion years.
Among all science fiction writers Olaf Stapledon stands alone for the sheer scope and ambition of his work. First published in 1930, Last and First Men is full of pioneering speculations about evolution, terraforming, genetic engineering and many other subjects.
Olaf Stapledon
Olaf Stapledon (1886-1950) was the author of many novels and nonfiction books, among them Last and First Men, Star Maker, and Odd John. Stapledon is considered one of the fathers of visionary science fiction, heir to H. G. Wells, and a major influence upon writers such as science fiction authors Arthur C. Clarke, Winston Churchill, and Nobel laureate Doris Lessing, as well as many American science fiction authors and scientists, including physicist Freeman Dyson. C. S. Lewis notably thought Stapledon “cracking good,” but was shaken by and reacted strongly to Stapledon’s dark vision. Stapledon’s novels are known for their sprawling scope, imaginative breadth, and philosophical depth, exploring themes of evolution, human consciousness, and the destiny of mankind across cosmic timescales.
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