LAST AND FIRST MEN is a science fiction novel that chronicles human history from the First Men to the Last Men, encompassing 2 billion years.

The scope of the book is breathtaking. Through millennia, 18 species of humanity are recorded, along with countless civilisations that rise and fall in a seemingly endless cycle of progression and regression.

Apocalyptic fiction has always been a favourite of minebooks like THE ROAD, EARTH ABIDES, ON THE BEACH and THE STAND. This book, however, is in a league entirely of its own. There was a poetic beauty to the book that I've yet to see in other books of science fiction. It is also full of philosophical thoughts on the nature of existence, and the acceptance of reality.

LAST AND FIRST MEN is an incredible imaginative achievement. No other book of speculative fiction has affected me so deeply. Stapledon broached the subject of humanity's future with the dispassionate aloofness of a scientist, yet wrote it with the skill of an artist. It is his excellent blend of the two that makes this a masterpiece.

There were, however, things about the book that irked me. His insistence on describing in minute detail subsequent human cultures in the middle of the book brought the book down a little, as did his dated approach to gender. The only time that a woman was important to the story was as a sexual or maternal symbol. (Understandable, given that this book was written in the 1930s, but still detracted from the book)

Regardless of this, I loved reading LAST AND FIRST MEN. It has had an enormous influence on me, and has given me a lot to think about. The subject matter, the beauty of its prose, and its incredible scope all come together to make this one of my favourite books.