The Man in Asbestos is a science fiction allegory written by Stephen Leacock in 1912. It tells the story of a man who is born in a future world where the air is so polluted that he is forced to wear a suit of asbestos to protect himself from the toxic environment. He is an outcast, unable to interact with the other people in his world, and he is forced to wander the streets alone. The man eventually discovers a secret underground city, where he finds a utopian society that is free from the pollution of the outside world. He is welcomed into the city and is able to live a peaceful life, but he is still haunted by the memories of the polluted world he left behind. The Man in Asbestos is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked industrialization and pollution. It serves as a warning to readers to be mindful of the environment and to take steps to protect it before it is too late.
By Stephen Leacock · First published 1920 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Satire