Olaf Stapledon, “Last and First Men”

The epic future history that redefined science fiction—a staggering vision of humanity’s next two billion years – It also features an exclusive Cross-media Box: a gateway to digital content via QR codes

Olaf Stapledon’s Last and First Men, first published in 1930, is a monumental work of speculative fiction that transcends the boundaries of the novel. It is not merely a story, but a chronicle of the future: a breathtaking narrative that charts the rise and fall of eighteen distinct human species across geological eons. From the tragic collapse of our own civilization to the rise of telepathic giants on Neptune, Stapledon explores the ultimate limits of evolution, intelligence, and the human spirit against the backdrop of a vast, indifferent cosmos.

Long before the age of genetic engineering and transhumanism, Stapledon envisioned the artificial redesign of the body and mind, the colonization of other planets, and the concept of a collective consciousness. His work laid the foundation for modern science fiction, deeply influencing authors like Arthur C. Clarke, C.S. Lewis, and H.P. Lovecraft. Last and First Men remains a profound meditation on our place in the universe, challenging readers to look beyond the present moment and contemplate the destiny of life itself.

This Intra edition presents the complete, unabridged text, enhanced by a new, extensive Introduction that explores the novel’s philosophical depth and its massive impact on pop culture. It also features an exclusive Cross-media Box: a gateway to digital content via QR codes, including visual galleries of the future human species, musical soundscapes, and documentary insights into Stapledon’s visionary world.

About the Author

William Olaf Stapledon (1886–1950) was a British philosopher and author who revolutionized science fiction with his cosmic scope and intellectual ambition. Though less prolific than his contemporary H.G. Wells, Stapledon’s influence on the genre is immeasurable. His major works, including Last and First Men and Star Maker, introduced concepts such as terraforming, genetic engineering, and the multiverse long before they became staples of the genre. He wrote not just to predict the future, but to create a new mythology for the scientific age.