These are the best dystopian / post-apocalyptic novels written before 1970. This was the original golden age of the genre, spurred by the fear of nuclear annihilation during the Cold War. Most "classics" of the genre were written during this time, meaning the ones that teens are required to read in school. Most of the work targeted adult audiences, so teen protagonists are few and far between. However, some of the most original, mind-blowing work was done during this time, including some of the best short stories of the genre.
1984 by George Orwell
Alas Babylon by Pat Frank – 1959.
Anthem by Ayn Rand - 1938. Although Rand's books were her platform for preaching her ideology, she told great stories. In a future society that demands conformity, a teenager struggles to break free and think for himself. Controversially examines the consequences of creating a society that is too equal and too stable at the expense of individual achievement.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
A Canticle for Liebowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr. – 1960. This is exactly the type of novel that makes me love post-apocalyptic literature. The legend of destruction, the murky past, the joy of re-discovering what was lost - all good. And it ends with a stern warning to all of us: those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. This is one of the true classics of the genre.
The City and the Stars by Arthur C. Clarke – 1956. Clarke is king of sci-fi, and this is his best story. Alvin is the first child born in a million years in humanity's last city of Diaspar. Humans have huddled there for a billion years, living nearly eternal lives but devoid of hope, afraid to leave the city. Alvin is different - he wants to go to the stars, and face the great power that drove humanity into hiding in the first place. The story follows his escape and journey, culminating with a startling and uplifting ending. A poetic mind-blower.
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham – 1951.
The Death of Grass No Blade of Grass) by John Christopher – 1956.
Earth Abides by George Stewart – 1949.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Hothouse (The Long Afternoon of Earth) by Brian Aldiss – 1962.
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson – 1954.
The Long Tomorrow by Leigh Brackett – 1955.
The Night Land by William Hope Hodgson – 1912.
Non-Stop by Brian Aldiss - 1958. (Mini-Review) Non-Stop is one of the original novels of generation ships: spaceships that travel to the nearest star well below the speed of light, such that it reaches the destination several generations after launch. The story takes place well into the journey, and the ship's inhabitants have forgotten who they are, and have resorted to tribal living in a hydroponics jungle. Aldiss rolls out the revelation that the jungle is in a generation ship in such a way that the reader might think, "this is the twist." Not so fast. That twist sets up the twist, which sets up the twist, which sets up the twist. In other words, the novel keeps throwing twists until the very end. Some of the characters are a bit flat, and romance happens a little awkwardly, but I forgive that. This is a great story!
On the Beach by Nevil Shute – 1959.
Daybreak 2250 A.D. (Star Man’s Son 2250 A.D.) by Andre Norton – 1952. This was the first post-apocalyptic novel I read. Ever. My twelve year old imagination was hooked, and I have been a fan of the genre ever since. Looking back, the story of a mutant young man making his way through the world three-hundred years after the apocalypse isn't as good as many similar stories I have read since. But it put me on the road, and so holds a place of honor on my shelf of unbridled sentimentality.
The Tripods by John Christopher – 1967. YA alien invasion, The White Mountains is best
Vault of Ages by Poul Anderson – 1952.
Short Stories:
Nightfall by Isaac Asimov – 1941.
A Pail of Air by Fritz Leiber – 1951. Read the story at this link: A Pail of Air
Rescue Party by Arthur C. Clarke – 1946.
