Last and First Men / Last Men in London

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Last & First Men: A Story of the Near & Far Future is a groundbreaking science fiction novel by Olaf Stapledon, written in 1930. It presents a sweeping history spanning two billion years and 18 distinct human species, with our own being the most primitive. The narrative is rooted in Hegelian dialectics, illustrating a cyclical pattern of civilizations rising and falling into savagery over millennia, while also depicting progress as later societies achieve greater heights than their predecessors. The work anticipates genetic engineering and introduces the concept of a supermind—consciousness formed by telepathically linked individuals. In 1932, Stapledon published Last Men in London, featuring the same narrator from the final human species who inspired the first novel. This story explores the consciousness of a contemporary Englishman named Paul, tracing his life from childhood through his experiences as an ambulance crew member in WWI, paralleling Stapledon’s own history. As a schoolteacher, Paul confronts various personal dilemmas and the influence of the advanced being sharing his experiences, allowing Stapledon to delve into philosophical and moral themes. The narrative serves as a semi-autobiographical exploration of character and consciousness.