London 1975. As the great World War grinds to a halt a force more sinister than Hitler's Nazis has seized control of Europe and is systematically destroying every adversary -- except one.
In the heart of France a crack unit of British soldiers survive, overcoming all opposition under the leadership of a hardened military strategist highly trained in every method of combat and known only as "The Lieutenant".
Ordered to return to British Headquarters, the Lieutenant is torn between obeying the politicians in London or doing what he knows is right for his country, regardless of the price.
From Publishers Weekly
First published in Astounding magazine in 1940, Final Blackout is generally considered Hubbard's best science fiction novel. Set in a world ravaged by 30 years of war, it chronicles the rise, in England, of the charismatic leader, strategist and statesman known only as the Lieutenant. As a depiction of a blighted world, the novel is compelling, even riveting: as it increasingly concerns itself with the Lieutenant it loses some of its power, but it still remains a superior piece of pulp adventure writing. The book is also interesting as an early showcase of some of Hubbard's ideas on the condition of the world, and history's need for extraordinary individuals--ideas he later developed in Dianetics and Scientology. The volume also contains a preface by Hubbard written for a 1948 edition of the novel, and an adulatory introduction by science fiction writer Algis Budrys, in which extravagant claims are made about the novel and its author. An even more adulatory, unsigned profile concludes the volume. Caveat emptor. 100,000 first printing; $100,000 ad/promo. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Description:
London 1975. As the great World War grinds to a halt a force more sinister than Hitler's Nazis has seized control of Europe and is systematically destroying every adversary -- except one.
In the heart of France a crack unit of British soldiers survive, overcoming all opposition under the leadership of a hardened military strategist highly trained in every method of combat and known only as "The Lieutenant".
Ordered to return to British Headquarters, the Lieutenant is torn between obeying the politicians in London or doing what he knows is right for his country, regardless of the price.
From Publishers Weekly
First published in Astounding magazine in 1940, Final Blackout is generally considered Hubbard's best science fiction novel. Set in a world ravaged by 30 years of war, it chronicles the rise, in England, of the charismatic leader, strategist and statesman known only as the Lieutenant. As a depiction of a blighted world, the novel is compelling, even riveting: as it increasingly concerns itself with the Lieutenant it loses some of its power, but it still remains a superior piece of pulp adventure writing. The book is also interesting as an early showcase of some of Hubbard's ideas on the condition of the world, and history's need for extraordinary individuals--ideas he later developed in Dianetics and Scientology. The volume also contains a preface by Hubbard written for a 1948 edition of the novel, and an adulatory introduction by science fiction writer Algis Budrys, in which extravagant claims are made about the novel and its author. An even more adulatory, unsigned profile concludes the volume. Caveat emptor. 100,000 first printing; $100,000 ad/promo.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"Chilling and lucid." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Compelling...riveting...Hubbard's best." -- Publishers Weekly
"Like "Fatherland", Hubbard spins a masterful tale of suspense and non-stop action." -- Harold Robbins