The end of the world, however it is said to arrive, is a personal fascination theme throughout my book collection. Throughout the past few years, I’ve snatched up dozens of novels that deal with various related theories. The book that first turned me on to the idea was of course The Stand by Stephen King (which I first read more than a decade ago). Second in line was Swan Song from Robert McCammon. I’ve now collected many books from many authors.

My interest in Earth Abides by George R. Stewart first was sparked by King. King stated that the dystopic 1949 novel was a major inspiration to him writing The Stand. There are certainly some similarities with the struggle of man, personal relationship, and the apparent of triumph of nature over man in a world minus humans at the helm.

At the center of the story is Isherwood Williams (Ish) who survived the massive outbreak of disease that led to the destruction of humans. His survival was luck more so than immunity stemming from a snakebite and bed rest that followed. The book follows Ish through his travel subsequent the massive destruction. He travels throughout America in a car yet decides that home (California) is his best chance for life.

Ish stumbles upon very few companions on his journey but eventually ends up with a small beagle and a wife. The two create a new community with their own children and eventually other travelers. The children see the past that Ish talks about frequently as a myth of sorts. He tries to teach the old way, but the populate decide on other means of survival. With great sadness, Ish watches as his precious community regresses back to a prehistoric way of life. And so the book is simply a story of one man, his life, his love, his community, and his crumbling world.

Earth Abides is a simple read; one that fans of both straight fiction and science fiction should enjoy equally. I myself was fascinated by Stewart’s use of italics. He included emphasized snippets of information throughout the novel that speak about nature’s reclamation of the planet and Darwin’s survival of the fittest. The book is not grand with figureheads and villains. Rather, Earth Abides is organic and earthy speaking more about individuals and community (and lack thereof) rather than the amazing. Stewart postulates on so many levels. The bulk of Earth Abides is about Ish. But, the italicized sections speak in very plain and detached language about things that the protagonist could know little about. Animals, wilderness, the decay of cities, and other peoples.

The ideas that Stewart presents don’t seem dated, although some readers might hope for more violence and less discussion and fewer attempts to hold on to the old. I enjoy the writer’s use of the English language and his ability to convey meaning and feeling with every word. In 1951, Earth Abides even won the International Fantasy Award. Stewart’s novel has also been included David Pringle’s 100 Best Science Fiction Books among other honors. I do highly recommend Earth Abides although not quite as much as some apocalyptic novels like Alas, Babylon, The Stand, and On The Beach. If you happen to be as morbidly curious as I, Earth Abides is a treasure.

George R. Stewart wrote very few books. In fact, Earth Abides is the only fantasy or science fiction novel that I can locate from the author. His other works seem to deal with some of the darker chapters of American history like the Donner Party and Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg.

Here’s a list of a few other books of interest if you enjoy or think you may enjoy Earth Abides from George R. Stewart.

- The Stand – Stephen King
- Swan Song – Robert McCammon
- Lucifer’s Hammer – Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle
- Alas, Babylon – Pat Frank
- On the Beach – Nevil Shute
- Planet of the Apes – Pierre Boulle
- Eternity Road – Jack McDevitt
- This Is the Way The World Ends – James Morrow
- The Postman – David Brin
- Canticle for Leibowitz – Walter M. Williams
- New Madrid Run – Michael Reisig
- The Rift – Walter J. Williams
- The Last Ship – William Brinkley


Recommended: Yes