George R. Stewart's Earth Abides is praised for its compelling exploration of human resilience and nature's reclamation post-apocalypse. The novel's introspective prose and philosophical depth captivate readers, while some find its pace slow and character development lacking. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking and influential work in speculative fiction.

Readers who will enjoy Earth Abides by George R. Stewart are those fascinated by post-apocalyptic narratives and the resilience of human nature. Fans of Richard Matheson's I Am Legend and Cormac McCarthy's The Road will appreciate its introspective exploration of survival, societal collapse, and renewal.

In George R. Stewart’s novel, Earth Abides, graduate student Isherwood “Ish” Williams survives a rattlesnake bite only to find a pandemic has decimated humanity. Returning to the Bay Area, he discovers other survivors and forms a community called the "Tribe." Over years, they strive to rebuild society, confront challenges, and adapt to their new reality as they navigate a changed world. The novel depicts the threat of sexual assault as well as a character’s ableist language and bias.

San Francisco, California / Mid-20th century

Contemplative / Melancholic / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Nostalgic

- Earth Abides is an influential post-apocalyptic novel that was published in 1949, and it won the inaugural International Fantasy Award in 1951.
- George R. Stewart, who was a professor of English, was inspired by the California landscapes he knew well, and he incorporated detailed geographic descriptions of the region into the novel.
- The title, Earth Abides, is derived from the Bible, specifically Ecclesiastes 1:4, which underscores the novel's theme of nature enduring beyond the transient existence of humanity.

George R. Stewart

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Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Earth Abides and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Earth Abides Summary and Study Guide

Background

Earth Abides Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “World Without End”

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Earth Abides Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 5-Inter-chapter

Earth Abides Part 1, Chapter 5-Inter-chapter Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Year 22”

Part 2, Chapters 1-4

Earth Abides Part 2, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 5-8

Earth Abides Part 2, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Year 22” - Part 3: “The Last American”

Part 2, Chapter 9-Part 3, Chapter 3

Earth Abides Part 2, Chapter 9-Part 3, Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Earth Abides Character Analysis

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Themes

Earth Abides Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Earth Abides Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Earth Abides Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Earth Abides Essay Topics

Earth Abides

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read Earth Abides?

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