In M. P. Shiel's apocalyptic fantasy, "The Purple Cloud," the world as we know it ends. This post-apocalyptic vision explores themes of survival and isolation in a desolate landscape. Categorized as dystopian fiction and a cornerstone of science fiction, the novel presents a haunting scenario of a world irrevocably changed. "The Purple Cloud" depicts a world where humanity teeters on the brink. As one of the last survivors, the protagonist faces the daunting task of rebuilding civilization amidst the ruins of the old. This ...
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In M. P. Shiel's apocalyptic fantasy, "The Purple Cloud," the world as we know it ends. This post-apocalyptic vision explores themes of survival and isolation in a desolate landscape. Categorized as dystopian fiction and a cornerstone of science fiction, the novel presents a haunting scenario of a world irrevocably changed. "The Purple Cloud" depicts a world where humanity teeters on the brink. As one of the last survivors, the protagonist faces the daunting task of rebuilding civilization amidst the ruins of the old. This classic tale resonates with its exploration of human resilience and the enduring spirit in the face of unimaginable loss. A cornerstone of apocalyptic fantasies, this meticulously prepared print edition offers readers a timeless journey into a world stripped bare, forcing us to confront fundamental questions about existence and the future of humankind. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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Add this copy of The Purple Cloud to cart. $27.44, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2025 by Anson Street Press.
Great book of another story about the end of the world (reccurent to this period of time ~1930)
I just finished reading Earth abides and it is as good as this one, though different.
klarkash
Feb 19, 2008
Mind-bending Prose at the End of the World
This flawed but still magnificent 1901 work was an early "end of the world" novel, exerting an influence on Stephen King's "The Stand" among many others. Shiel's work is distinguished by indescribably ornate prose and a wide range of erudite references. The power of "The Purple Cloud" is also its downfall; the last third of the novel can't match the first sections, in which Shiel paints, with insane visionary power, the enduring modern fantasy of finding oneself the last man alive on earth. The protagonist Adam Jeffson is the first to reach the North Pole, where his presence seems to trigger a bizarre phenomenon of natural vengeance for his hubris- descending by ship from the pole, he finds not a single soul alive, as a lethal cloud of purple poison has spread over the earth, obliterating all life in its path. Jeffson, borne on waves of Shiel's billowing, decadent poetry of the damned, begins his own campaign of obliteration, burning the dead cities of the earth. Shiel achieves a heightened, widescreen glory unencumbered by plausibility- you will love or hate this book depending on your appreciation for verbal audacity and 50-cent words. Fans of Poe, Lovecraft, and Clark Ashton Smith will find much to appreciate here.
