Alas, Babylon (Harper Perennial Modern Classics (Topeka Bindery)) | 
 enlarge | Author: Pat Frank
Publisher: Topeka Bindery
Category: Book
List Price: $23.35
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Rating:  268 reviews
Media: Library Binding
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 323
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.4 x 1.1
ISBN: 1417734078
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9781417734078
ASIN: 1417734078
Publication Date: July 2005
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Product Description
The classic apocalyptic novel that stunned the world.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 263 more reviews...
 A classic tale that still holds up today November 1, 2008
When I saw Alas, Babylon in the bookstore, I recognized it as a classic title but knew next to nothing about it. So, I picked up a copy to read on vacation. My verdict? Very good book -- not a very good vacation read!
This is one of the first post-nuclear apocalypse tales, published in the thick of the Cold War in 1959. Although world events have made the political backdrop of this novel obsolete, Frank tells a tale that still resonates.
Frank's writing feels surprisingly contemporary, even if the society it depicts is an American South that no longer really exists. (The treatment of people of color in this book is absolutely painful sometimes, but Frank is clearly not happy about it.)
The broad strokes of this story may feel familiar to us now, because we've been exposed to other post-apocalyptic tales in which people are suddenly stripped of technology, medicine and the comforts of modern civilization. In fact, if you watched the television series Jericho, you'll see a huge amount of similarity in Alas, Babylon, minus the soap opera elements found on the TV show.
I recommend this book simply because it's well-written and thoughtful. I just don't recommend it as vacation reading... it somehow didn't mesh with tropical surroundings, froofy drinks and sunny beaches!
 Late Comer to a Good Book October 24, 2008
I don't know how I missed this one in school... a little dated now (2008), the spirit of perserverance in the face of disaster is what I believe has made the USA unique. To appreciate Alas, Babylon you should probably have a Pollyana-ish streak - at least lean to the optimistic view of the future; but that does not distract from a good 'end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it" sceanario. Sure wish my Jr. High/High School teachers had pushed this on me way back when!
Reqd reading in High School September 19, 2008
I remember reading this in High School and I have been looking to pick it up for a re-read.
One of the books I remembered most August 28, 2008
I read this book in the early 70's, in Junior High School, in Florida. It was so real to me. These people were just like my neighbors. Their fears were the same. Their sense of community, the same. When reading this book, I kept looking to the horizon thinking, "Could this truly happen." A must read for anyone studying the times.
Crap characters, excellent setting and premise August 15, 2008
The best thing about this book is the setting. The descriptions of a post apocalyptic United States is excellent. It really made me think about what civilization means: law and order, running water, food supplies, transportation, etc.
The biggest flaw with the book is its characters. The character development is non-existent. Randy, the protagonist, is extremely bland. He has no flaws (well, he's a liberal) and a perfect leader.
The story is also extremely optimistic. Personally, I like a bit more cynicism.
Despite these two gripes, this is a great post apocalyptic book and a short read to boot. I'll never forget the descriptions of nuclear armegeddon as Randy and friends watch from their house.
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