The Comet

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The Comet (1920) is a science fiction story by W. E. B. Du Bois, created during his time at The Crisis, the NAACP's magazine, where he showcased emerging black artists of the Harlem Renaissance. This pioneering speculative fiction imagines a catastrophic event that devastates New York City and abruptly ends white supremacy. The narrative begins with bank messenger Jim Davis, who, after retrieving old records from the vault, discovers a city plunged into chaos following a comet's passage, which has released toxic fumes. Lower Manhattan appears frozen in time, with bodies scattered across the eerily silent streets. As he regains his senses, he encounters a wealthy woman in need of assistance. They soon realize they may be the last living people on Earth, and the survival of civilization hinges on their ability to unite as human beings, transcending racial divides. The story explores the depths of human connection in the face of disaster and questions how far this newfound acknowledgment can lead them. This edition features a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, presenting Du Bois's classic work of African American literature for contemporary readers.