Last and First Men

By: Olaf Stapledon

Narrated by: Stephen Greif

One of the most extraordinary, imaginative and ambitious novels of the century: a history of the evolution of humankind over the next 2 billion years. Among all science fiction writers Olaf Stapledon stands alone for the sheer scope and ambition of his work. First published in 1930, Last and First Men is full of pioneering speculations about evolution, terraforming, genetic engineering and many other subjects.

©1930 Olaf Stapledon (P)2012 Audible Ltd

i never read anything like this book.

try it if you're ready for something extraordinary. nothing like it.
try it if you're ready for something extraordinary. nothing like it.

Superb and Timeless

A truly superb and timeless classic for readers of science fiction, or for anyone who often wonder or fantasize about the fate of humanity.

I believe Olaf Stapledon cemented himself as one of the greatest science fiction writers of the 20th century with this book. Despite a few details (primarily astrophysical in nature) being incorrect from our modern perspective, Stapledon still manages to suspend my disbelief and listen on with rapt attention as the 4 to 6 billion year old story of humanity unfolds as he imagined it.

very innovative and unique book

very innovative and unique book. not like anything else, and worth a read. my cat liked it too. Mr word count...

A flawed masterpiece

While I do not doubt the significance of the work, I had a hard time taking in the science of the time when stapledon was writing. Too much has changed, and today's depiction of the future would've looked differently. in my opinion. Then again, at the time we didn't have Asimov, nor Clarke. 4/5.

Worth Listening To!

I read my first science fiction novel in 1956. Now in 2022 I still read and listen to science fiction books. I have an interest in the early works in this field of literature. However, because of writing styles I sometimes have trouble with pre-Golden Age of Sci-Fi literature. Last and First Men fits this category so I purchased and downloaded the Audible version of this classic and highly influential book. The first comment is the reader, Stephen Greif; he is nothing short of outstanding. His voice is pleasant, clear, and interesting. Outstanding presentation. The story covers the entire history of mankind over 5 billion years and does so without a central character or plot but the ideas are superb and thought-provoking. The only thing I disagree with in the presentation is the statement Mr. Greif makes regarding Americans. he suggests skipping the early chapters if you are an American like myself as Stapledon misses the mark on 20th century America. I think it is still worth will to listen to these chapters as it does not distract from the overall flow, IMNO. One other comment. Based on listening to this book I am confident that Stapledon is not religious in the traditional western sense but he still manages to come across as optimistic which is hard to do if you happen to be agnostic or atheist. I recommend this book if you have a historical interest in the development of Sci-Fi and also if you just want a different type of entertainment. Happy listening.

Wow

I really enjoyed this story. Starts quite slow but becomes amazing about a third of the way through. Highly recommended.

Simply Beautiful and Thought Provoking

This work of art provides a unique and thought provoking perspective to the heading of mankind. There is the unintentional element and fact that this book is described in the worlds of a man from the early 20th century and while this does stick out as a sore thumb to anyone living in the 21st century; it does provide a perspective of how communication and culture evolves through the ages and thus allows you to appreciate the final species of man even more. The well illustrated descriptions contained within the book allow you to vicariously live through the glory and tragedies of these fictional species while relating to the situation of the current state of affairs of mankind.
Succinctly put; this book is an excellent intellectual, philosophical and spiritual experience.

A Sublime work of Genius.

I love this book! the word Visionary does does not even begin to describe it. and given but it was written during the time radio in airplanes we're novelties, makes it all the more incredible.

Breathtaking scope and vision.

Truly one of the greatest books ever written. There's nothing else like Stapeldon. Make sure to read Starmaker after.

Nothing like thia

It's a little hard, but worth it. One would be hard-pressed to find another work of this kind of imagination, scope, and vision.