The Scarlet Plague

What happens when civilization itself is wiped away? The Scarlet Plague (1912), by Jack London, is a chilling post-apocalyptic novel that imagines the collapse of society after a devastating global pandemic. Set in the year 2073, decades after the "Scarlet Death" wiped out most of humanity, the story follows an aged survivor, once a university professor, as he recounts to his grandchildren the world that was lost-its cities, culture, and technological marvels-contrasted with the primitive existence of the few who remain. London delivers a vivid and unsettling vision of a world undone, blending thrilling survival narrative with sharp social commentary.
Written long before modern dystopian fiction, this novella anticipates themes of plague, collapse, and the fragility of human achievement. The Scarlet Plague is not only a gripping tale of disaster and survival but also a meditation on memory, progress, and the impermanence of civilization. ?? Click "Buy Now" and enter Jack London's haunting vision of a world after the fall.