description The Last Man Overview
The Last Man is an 1826 novel by Mary Shelley that depicts a future world progressively devastated by a global plague. Its narrator, Lionel Verney, recounts political upheaval, personal loss, and the collapse of organized society as humanity approaches extinction in the late 21st century. Combining Romantic-era concerns with speculative catastrophe, it is an early major example of post-apocalyptic fiction.
help The Last Man FAQ
Who wrote The Last Man, and when was it published?
Mary Shelley wrote The Last Man, which was first published in 1826. It followed Frankenstein by eight years and was one of Shelley's major later novels.
Who narrates The Last Man?
The story is narrated by Lionel Verney, who recounts the collapse of human society from his own perspective. His relationships with Adrian, Raymond, Perdita, and other characters occupy much of the novel before the plague becomes global.
Is The Last Man set in the future?
Yes, the novel projects its story into the late 21st century, beginning around 2092 in many editions and summaries. A global plague then spreads through Europe and the Americas as political order breaks down.
Is The Last Man connected to Frankenstein?
It is not a sequel to Frankenstein, although both novels were written by Mary Shelley. Frankenstein centers on an artificial creature, while The Last Man follows Lionel Verney through political upheaval, plague, and human extinction.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
