Underground Man

Gabriel Tarde (1843 - 1904)
Translated by Cloudesley Shovell Henry Brereton (1863 - 1937)


This post-apocalyptic novella tells the story of the downfall of civilisation and mankind following a solar cataclysm in the late 20th century. To survive, the remnants of humanity had to build a new civilization underground in the complete absence of all species except mankind, choosing to base it only on love and beauty, the fine arts and intellectual pursuits.

In view of the sun's current inactivity, this frighteningly prophetic tale might have been written today, saving that the cultural references and the fluid prose might be beyond, if one dares say so, many modern writers.

Tarde was a French sociologist, criminologist and social psychologist. This novella was, as far as I know, his only venture into the writing of fiction, and is heavy with philosophical, sociological, scientific and even political concepts. It is an absorbing and thought-provoking work. (Summary by Ruth Golding)

Genre(s): Science Fiction, Social Science (Culture & Anthropology)

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 Introductory and I. Prosperity Ruth Golding
00:27:56
Play 02 II. The Catastrophe Ruth Golding
00:12:53
Play 03 III. The Struggle Ruth Golding
00:33:52
Play 04 IV. Saved Ruth Golding
00:15:02
Play 05 V. Regeneration Ruth Golding
00:34:27
Play 06 VI. Love Ruth Golding
00:16:50
Play 07 VII. The Aesthetic Life Ruth Golding
00:34:33