The Last Man is a post-apocalyptic novel by Mary Shelley, first published in 1826. It tells the story of a future world devastated by a plague that has wiped out the entire human race, except for one man, Lionel Verney. Lionel is the last survivor of a once-thriving civilization, and he is left to wander the world alone. He is haunted by memories of his past life and the people he once knew, and he is determined to find out what happened to the human race. As he travels, Lionel meets a variety of characters, including a mysterious woman who claims to be the last living descendant of the ancient Greek gods. He also encounters a group of survivors who are trying to rebuild civilization, and he joins them in their efforts. The novel is a meditation on the fragility of life and the power of hope in the face of despair. It is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the power of the human spirit to endure even in the darkest of times.
By Mary Shelley · First published 1826 · Genre: Romanticism, Science Fiction, Gothic Fiction · 31 chapters