George R. Stewart's Earth Abides is praised for its compelling exploration of human resilience and nature's reclamation post-apocalypse. The novel's introspective prose and philosophical depth captivate readers, while some find its pace slow and character development lacking. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking and influential work in speculative fiction.

Readers who will enjoy Earth Abides by George R. Stewart are those fascinated by post-apocalyptic narratives and the resilience of human nature. Fans of Richard Matheson's I Am Legend and Cormac McCarthy's The Road will appreciate its introspective exploration of survival, societal collapse, and renewal.

In George R. Stewart’s novel, Earth Abides, graduate student Isherwood “Ish” Williams survives a rattlesnake bite only to find a pandemic has decimated humanity. Returning to the Bay Area, he discovers other survivors and forms a community called the "Tribe." Over years, they strive to rebuild society, confront challenges, and adapt to their new reality as they navigate a changed world. The novel depicts the threat of sexual assault as well as a character’s ableist language and bias.

San Francisco, California / Mid-20th century

Contemplative / Melancholic / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Nostalgic

- Earth Abides is an influential post-apocalyptic novel that was published in 1949, and it won the inaugural International Fantasy Award in 1951.
- George R. Stewart, who was a professor of English, was inspired by the California landscapes he knew well, and he incorporated detailed geographic descriptions of the region into the novel.
- The title, Earth Abides, is derived from the Bible, specifically Ecclesiastes 1:4, which underscores the novel's theme of nature enduring beyond the transient existence of humanity.

**Isherwood “Ish” Williams**  
The protagonist and a graduate student, Ish observes the post-apocalyptic world analytically and feels it's his duty to preserve civilization. He views intelligence as paramount and struggles with the Tribe’s adoption of superstition.

**Emma**  
Ish’s partner and a source of emotional support, Emma is seen as wise and patient. She challenges Ish's assumptions and provides a counterbalance to his academic mindset.

**Ezra**  
A British ex-patriot, Ezra plays the role of a sociable extrovert and peacekeeper within the Tribe. He helps to ease tensions and shares Ish’s wariness of Charlie.

**George**  
The handyman of the Tribe, George maintains infrastructure like plumbing and roofing. He embodies a more anarchistic viewpoint, preferring a world without formal laws.

**Charlie**  
Seen as the antagonist, Charlie introduces conflict with his charm and rebellious nature. His presence brings issues of justice and moral dilemmas to the forefront of the Tribe.

**Evie**  
A minor character with mental disability, Evie is cared for by the Tribe, reflecting post-war attitudes toward mental illness. She is seen through Ish’s critical perspective.

George R. Stewart

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Earth Abides reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Earth Abides | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Earth Abides and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Earth Abides Summary and Study Guide

Background

Earth Abides Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “World Without End”

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Earth Abides Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 5-Inter-chapter

Earth Abides Part 1, Chapter 5-Inter-chapter Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Year 22”

Part 2, Chapters 1-4

Earth Abides Part 2, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 5-8

Earth Abides Part 2, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Year 22” - Part 3: “The Last American”

Part 2, Chapter 9-Part 3, Chapter 3

Earth Abides Part 2, Chapter 9-Part 3, Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Earth Abides Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Earth Abides Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Earth Abides Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Earth Abides Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Earth Abides Essay Topics

Earth Abides

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Earth Abides?

Reading Age

Book Details