Last And First Men

By (author) Stapledon, Olaf
Short description/annotation:
First published nearly 70 years ago, this text is regarded as one of the most influential science fiction novels of the 20th century. Olaf Stapledon creates a history of the evolution of humankind over the next two billion years.
Description:

One of the most extraordinary, imaginative and ambitious novels of the century: a history of the evolution of humankind over the next 2 billion years.

Among all science fiction writers Olaf Stapledon stands alone for the sheer scope and ambition of his work. First published in 1930, Last and First Men is full of pioneering speculations about evolution, terraforming, genetic engineering and many other subjects.

Biographical note:
Olaf Stapledon (1886-1950) was born near Liverpool and educated at Balliol College, Oxford and Liverpool University. After spending eighteen months working in a shipping office in Liverpool and Port Said, he lectured extramurally for Liverpool University in English Literature and industrial history. He served in France from 1915 until 1919 with the Friends'' Ambulance Unit and then lectured again for Liverpool University in psychology and philosophy. His novels include First and Last Men, Last Men in London, Star Maker and Odd John.
Promotional headline:
* #7 in the Millennium SF Masterworks series, a library of the finest science fiction ever written * ''This book changed my life ... His future scenarios still remain awe-inspiring'' -- Arthur C. Clarke * ''His influence is probably second only to that of H.G. Wells'' -- The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction