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After London, or Wild England

by Richard JEFFERIES (1848 - 1887)

08 - Part II, Chapter 3: The Stockade

Jefferies' novel can be seen as an early example of "post-apocalyptic fiction." After some sudden and unspecified catastrophe has depopulated England, the countryside reverts to nature, and the few survivors to a quasi-medieval way of life.The first part of the book, "The Relapse into Barbarism", is the account by some later historian of the fall of civilisation and its consequences, with a loving description of nature reclaiming England. The second part, "Wild England", is an adventure set many years later in the wild landscape and society.The book is not without its flaws (notably the abrupt and unsatisfying ending) but is redeemed by the quality of the writing, particularly the unnervingly prophetic descriptions of the post-apocalyptic city and countryside. (Summary by Ruth Golding and Wikipedia)

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Listen next episodes of After London, or Wild England:
09 - Part II, Chapter 4: The Canoe , 10 - Part II, Chapter 5: Baron Aquila , 11 - Part II, Chapter 6: The Forest Track , 12 - Part II, Chapter 7: The Forest track continued , 13 - Part II, Chapter 8: Thyma Castle , 14 - Part II, Chapter 9: Superstitions , 15 - Part II, Chapter 10: The Feast , 16 - Part II, Chapter 11: Aurora , 17 - Part II, Chapter 12: Night in the Forest , 18 - Part II, Chapter 13: Sailing Away , 19 - Part II, Chapter 14: The Straits , 20 - Part II, Chapter 15: Sailing Onwards , 21 - Part II, Chapter 16: The City , 22 - Part II, Chapter 17: The Camp , 23 - Part II, Chapter 18: The King's Levy , 24 - Part II, Chapter 19: Fighting , 25 - Part II, Chapter 20: In Danger , 26 - Part II, Chapter 21: A Voyage , 27 - Part II, Chapter 22: Discoveries , 28 - Part II, Chapter 23: Strange Things , 29 - Part II, Chapter 24: Fiery Vapours , 30 - Part II, Chapter 25: The Shepherds , 31 - Part II, Chapter 26: Bow and Arrow , 32 - Part II, Chapter 27: Surprised , 33 - Part II, Chapter 28: For Aurora