Publisher's Synopsis
The Scarlet Plague is a post-apocalyptic novel written by Jack London. The story is set in the year 2073, sixty years after a deadly epidemic known as the ""Red Death"" has wiped out most of humanity. The protagonist, an old man named James Howard Smith, is one of the few survivors of the plague. He recounts his experiences to his grandchildren, who have grown up in a primitive society that has emerged in the aftermath of the disaster.Smith, who was a professor of English literature before the epidemic, tells his grandchildren about the world before the plague, which was characterized by technological advancement and a focus on material possessions. He describes how the plague spread rapidly across the globe, killing millions of people within weeks. The few survivors were left to fend for themselves in a world devoid of modern conveniences.The novel explores themes of survival, the nature of humanity, and the consequences of unchecked progress. Smith's observations on the new society that has emerged after the plague highlight the dangers of greed, selfishness, and the pursuit of power. The novel ends on a hopeful note, as Smith's grandchildren express a desire to learn from their grandfather's experiences and create a better world for themselves.Overall, The Scarlet Plague is a thought-provoking work of science fiction that offers a unique perspective on the end of the world. Jack London's vivid descriptions of a world ravaged by disease and the struggle for survival make this novel a compelling read for anyone interested in post-apocalyptic fiction.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
