The Purple Cloud (eBook)

M. P. Shiel (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
246 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654712491-7 (EAN)

Infos

In 'The Purple Cloud,' M. P. Shiel embarks on a chilling dystopian exploration of isolation and existential despair. The narrative follows the protagonist, Adam Jeffson, as he traverses a post-apocalyptic world draped in a mysterious violet haze that obliterates humanity. Blending elements of speculative fiction and horror, Shiel employs a rich, atmospheric prose style, captivating readers with vivid descriptions and psychological depth. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century anxieties about civilization's fragility, the novel resonates with themes of human vulnerability and the innate fear of the unknown. M. P. Shiel, a significant figure in the fin-de-siècle literary landscape, was known for his fascination with the macabre and the eccentric. His diverse background as a writer, poet, and playwright, along with his experiences living in various cultural contexts, profoundly shaped his narrative voice and thematic preoccupations. Shiel's interest in the interplay of nature and humanity, alongside a keen awareness of contemporary scientific discourse, culminates in this thought-provoking work that deftly reflects the zeitgeist of his era. 'The Purple Cloud' is a compelling read for anyone drawn to the darker shades of speculative fiction. Its exploration of existential dread and the psychological impact of solitude invites readers to ponder complex questions of survival, morality, and human resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. This novel is essential for scholars and fans of apocalyptic literature, providing both a thrilling narrative and a reflective commentary on the human condition.

Autor

Matthew Phipps Shiel, commonly known as M. P. Shiel, was a prolific British writer born on July 21, 1865, on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. Shiel's literary career spanned genres, including science fiction, supernatural fiction, and mystery, but he is best remembered for his contribution to speculative fiction. A master of creating atmospheres veiled in suspense and eeriness, Shiel's prose often wove intricate psychological insights with gothic horror elements. His seminal work, 'The Purple Cloud' (1901), remains a classic in apocalyptic literature, prefiguring modern dystopian narratives. The novel tells the haunting tale of a man who believes he is the last survivor of a catastrophic global event, encapsulating themes of isolation, madness, and existential despair. Shiel's writing style, rich in symbolic language and elaborate descriptions, has been celebrated for its innovative approach that pushed the boundaries of early science fiction. Affiliated with the esoteric 'Yellow Nineties' group of artists and writers, Shiel's work mirrors the decadent movement's fascination with aestheticism and the dark sides of human experience. His influence can be seen in the works of later science fiction writers who have explored the human psyche through the lens of speculative scenarios. Shiel passed away on February 17, 1947, but his works continue to be studied and admired for their visionary imagination and unique stylistic flair.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 31.7.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Fantasy / Science Fiction ► Science Fiction
• Schlagworte: 19th century fiction • Apocalyptic fantasies • apocalyptic fiction • British science fiction • catastrophic event • classic science fiction • Dystopian Fiction • early 20th century sci-fi • early speculative fiction • End of the World • end of the world novels • English literature • Environmental Disaster • Exploration Adventure • Fiction • Human psyche exploration • isolated protagonist • Isolation and Despair • lyrical prose narrative • M. P. Shiel literature • mysterious atmospheric horror • Narrative apocalypse • natural disasters • Post-Apocalyptic Fiction • post-apocalyptic survival • purple cloud disaster • Science Fiction • scientific morality tale • Scientific speculation • Solo survival journey • speculative fiction classics • The Purple Cloud novel • Victorian science fiction • vintage sci-fi books • visionary horror fiction