Scarlet Plague

The Scarlet Plague, written by Jack London and first published in 1912, is a science fiction novella set in a post-apocalyptic future in 2072. The story follows James Howard Smith, one of the last survivors from the pre-plague era, as he recounts the devastating spread of the scarlet plague that decimated humanity. Through his narrative, Smith seeks to impart the importance of knowledge and wisdom to his grandsons, reflecting on the struggles faced by the few remaining survivors. This work is notable for its exploration of societal collapse and the transmission of cultural values in a drastically changed world.