The Scarlet Plague  (Paperback, Jack London)

The story is set in the year 2073 and follows the protagonist, James Howard Smith, also known as Granser, an old man who has survived the outbreak of the plague. Granser recounts the events of the pandemic to his grandsons, who have grown up in a primitive society, as knowledge of the past has been lost. Granser describes a time when civilization was advanced and people lived in crowded cities. However, the Scarlet Plague swept across the globe, decimating the population and causing the collapse of society. The disease is highly contagious and spreads rapidly, resulting in the death of the majority of the population. Survivors are left to fend for themselves in a world devoid of the technology and comforts they once knew. Granser tells his grandsons about the chaos and desperation that ensued during the outbreak. He recalls the panic, looting, and violence that erupted as people struggled to survive. He also describes the breakdown of social order and the loss of scientific knowledge and progress. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of civilization and the potential consequences of a major global pandemic. London explores themes of the impermanence of human achievements and the importance of preserving knowledge and wisdom. It also raises questions about the nature of humanity and our ability to adapt in the face of adversity.