Lessons for the 21st century from a 200-year-old book by ‘Frankenstein’ author Mary Shelley

The catastrophic story is familiar, but the insight, and the ending, offer an opportunity, and perhaps motivation, for modern readers.

By: Eileen Hunt, University of Notre Dame, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 23, 2026

Words: 1,259

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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By Eileen Hunt, University of Notre Dame

Even if you have never read it, you know the story of Mary Shelley’s second great work of political science fiction after “Frankenstein.” “The Last Man,” published in 1826 but set in the late 21st century, tells the tale of a lethal contagion spread by human conflict and war that sweeps the world and seemingly leaves one sole human survivor.

With wars and climate catastrophes hitting a …

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