After London, or Wild England

Richard Jefferies (1848 - 1887)

Jefferies' novel can be seen as an early example of "post-apocalyptic fiction." After some sudden and unspecified catastrophe has depopulated England, the countryside reverts to nature, and the few survivors to a quasi-medieval way of life.

The first part of the book, "The Relapse into Barbarism", is the account by some later historian of the fall of civilisation and its consequences, with a loving description of nature reclaiming England. The second part, "Wild England", is an adventure set many years later in the wild landscape and society.

The book is not without its flaws (notably the abrupt and unsatisfying ending) but is redeemed by the quality of the writing, particularly the unnervingly prophetic descriptions of the post-apocalyptic city and countryside. (Summary by Ruth Golding and Wikipedia)

Genre(s): Action & Adventure Fiction, Fantastic Fiction, Science Fiction

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 01 - Part I, Chapter 1: The Great Forest Ruth Golding
00:23:07
Play 02 02 - Part I, Chapter 2: Wild Animals Ruth Golding
00:12:21
Play 03 03 - Part I, Chapter 3: Men of the Woods Ruth Golding
00:27:02
Play 04 04 - Part I, Chapter 4: The Invaders Ruth Golding
00:25:36
Play 05 05 - Part I, Chapter 5: The Lake Ruth Golding
00:25:47
Play 06 06 - Part II, Chapter 1: Sir Felix Ruth Golding
00:18:03
Play 07 07 - Part II, Chapter 2: The House of Aquila Ruth Golding
00:20:03
Play 08 08 - Part II, Chapter 3: The Stockade Ruth Golding
00:18:05
Play 09 09 - Part II, Chapter 4: The Canoe Ruth Golding
00:18:02
Play 10 10 - Part II, Chapter 5: Baron Aquila Ruth Golding
00:19:28
Play 11 11 - Part II, Chapter 6: The Forest Track Ruth Golding
00:22:33
Play 12 12 - Part II, Chapter 7: The Forest track continued Ruth Golding
00:15:38
Play 13 13 - Part II, Chapter 8: Thyma Castle Ruth Golding
00:22:49
Play 14 14 - Part II, Chapter 9: Superstitions Ruth Golding
00:19:54
Play 15 15 - Part II, Chapter 10: The Feast Ruth Golding
00:14:44
Play 16 16 - Part II, Chapter 11: Aurora Ruth Golding
00:13:30
Play 17 17 - Part II, Chapter 12: Night in the Forest Ruth Golding
00:17:23
Play 18 18 - Part II, Chapter 13: Sailing Away Ruth Golding
00:17:27
Play 19 19 - Part II, Chapter 14: The Straits Ruth Golding
00:15:07
Play 20 20 - Part II, Chapter 15: Sailing Onwards Ruth Golding
00:16:00
Play 21 21 - Part II, Chapter 16: The City Ruth Golding
00:15:42
Play 22 22 - Part II, Chapter 17: The Camp Ruth Golding
00:19:30
Play 23 23 - Part II, Chapter 18: The King's Levy Ruth Golding
00:15:21
Play 24 24 - Part II, Chapter 19: Fighting Ruth Golding
00:18:04
Play 25 25 - Part II, Chapter 20: In Danger Ruth Golding
00:18:56
Play 26 26 - Part II, Chapter 21: A Voyage Ruth Golding
00:20:15
Play 27 27 - Part II, Chapter 22: Discoveries Ruth Golding
00:15:57
Play 28 28 - Part II, Chapter 23: Strange Things Ruth Golding
00:15:01
Play 29 29 - Part II, Chapter 24: Fiery Vapours Ruth Golding
00:17:32
Play 30 30 - Part II, Chapter 25: The Shepherds Ruth Golding
00:19:05
Play 31 31 - Part II, Chapter 26: Bow and Arrow Ruth Golding
00:13:34
Play 32 32 - Part II, Chapter 27: Surprised Ruth Golding
00:16:57
Play 33 33 - Part II, Chapter 28: For Aurora Ruth Golding
00:18:09