We learn that Omegarus is the only child born in an infertile Europe, and thus he created quite a sensation when he was born. In this story, the narrator is selected by the Celestial Spirit to witness the days of the Last Man (Omegarus) and Last Woman (Syderia), since there will be no descendants to learn of their tale. The story draws from the book of Revelations. They discuss de Grainville's life and look at the influence that this work clearly had on Mary Shelley's "The Last Man", as well as all of the apocalyptic stories which were to follow. In this case, the material is provided by I. As with the others, it includes an introduction and supporting documentation which enhance the reader's enjoyment of the story. This is the fifth book in the Early Classics of Science Fiction series from Wesleyan University Press. Thus it can't be considered the complete author's vision of the story, but instead is a draft copy. This was de Grainville's life's work, and was published after his tragic suicide in February of 1805. Prior to this edition, the only other English translation was made in 1806 and it was not an accurate or complete translation of the work. "The Last Man" by Jean-Baptiste Francois Xavier Cousin de Grainville is considered the first end-of-the-world story outside of mythology or theology.
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