Post-holocaust

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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction. (Discuss)

Post-holocaust is a sub-genre of science fiction dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophe---usually nuclear war, but not invariably. The first atomic weapon in fiction appeared in Robert Cromie's "The Crack of Doom", published in 1895. The weapon is not used in that novel, but the significance of its appearance is notable. The genre rose to prominence following World War II, because for the first time it was believed that man had the capacity to destroy his civilization.

Many post-holocaust stories feature primitive descendants of modern-day people, usually in a pseudo-medieval society. Those whose backstory includes nuclear warfare often also feature mutation, of animals, plants and humans alike. Mutants may be anything from the heroes of the story to inveterate enemies of the protagonists.

There are many notable works in the post-holocaust subset of post-apocalyptic fiction. Paul Brians published Nuclear Holocausts: Atomic War in Fiction, a study that examines atomic war in fiction published in short stories, novels, and films between 1895 to 1984.

A seminal work in this subgenre was Walter Miller's A Canticle for Leibowitz. Many subsequent stories were clearly derivative of this novel. Things like a recrudescent Church (Catholic or other), pseudo-medieval society, and the theme of the rediscovery of the knowledge of the pre-holocaust world were central to this book.

Other writers who have written post-holocaust books include:

  • Dorothy Black: Candles in the Dark
  • Helen Clarkson: The Last Day: A Novel of the Day After Tomorrow
  • Robert Cromie: The Crack of Doom
  • Harold Mead: Bright Phoenix
  • S. M. Stirling: The Fifth Millennium series, the Change World series
  • Warren Wagar: Terminal Visions

At this time, the post-holocaust subgenre has fallen out of favor, but some of its major works are considered classics of science fiction, notably A Canticle for Leibowitz.

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