cad@cbosgd.UUCP (Chuck A DeGaul) (10/19/85)
Did I miss something, or is everyone on the net so badly read? I consider the "classic" work in the "man-in-the-rubble" genre (Who made up that name? Boy, is it dumb!) to be "A Canticle For Leibowitz" by Walter M. Miller, Jr. Written in 1959, "A Canticle For Leibowitz" is a broad tale of post-holocaust humanity. It deals wonderfully with how civilization gets back on its feet and then, eventually, finds itself facing the problems of pre-holocaust civilization once again. It is divided into three parts, called "Fiat Homo", "Fiat Lux" and "Fiat Voltunas Tua" each separated by a large expanse of time. Miller carries the book's themes forward gracefully through the parts and brings the book to a close with a fascinating, and thought provoking conclusion. It is, quite simply, more than Science Fiction. I consider it one of greatest works of Literature in this half-century. Many of the titles mentioned in this category by others will pale dramatically when compared to this stunning literary achievement. Don't take my word for it, though. If you haven't read it, you are in for a treat. If you have read it, I'd be glad to hear from you. ---> Chuck A DeGaul <--- cbosgd!cad P.S. The only complaint I've heard of this book that makes much sense to me, is that it tends to be a bit heavy on the Judeo-Christian allegory and symbolism. That is part of the point Miller is trying to make, so it never bothered me much. "Lord of the Ring" has much the same flavor and we don't seem to mind it so much.