Alas, Babylon

By: Pat Frank

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

This true modern masterpiece is built around the two fateful words that make up the title and herald the end - “Alas, Babylon.” When a nuclear holocaust ravages the United States, a thousand years of civilization are stripped away overnight, and tens of millions of people are killed instantly.

But for one small town in Florida, miraculously spared, the struggle is just beginning, as men and women of all backgrounds join together to confront the darkness. Will Patton's narration paints this classic tale as an ominous picture of the terrible possibilites of the nuclear age.

©1959 Harry Hart Frank (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Winner, Fiction, 2012

"An enthralling and vivid story of the follies and failures of people, their courage and cruelty, their treachery and triumphs. Mr. Frank is a magnificent writer." ( Chicago Sunday Tribune)

"A warm, continuously interesting story of what can happen to a group of ordinary people in a perilous situation." ( New York Herald Tribune)

“Will Patton is a calm and steady narrator whose quiet intensity wraps around this post-apocalyptic saga...He reflects the tones of deference of women to men, nonwhites to whites, and children to adults. In a conversational tone, he quietly brings the characters and their relationships to life.” ( AudioFile)

Great book

One of the best post nuclear warfare books I have listened to and read. I suggest you read and listen to it as well.

ALAS, BABYLON. Alas, I only just found it.

This puts the best of the contemporary dystopian apocalyptic novels to a couple rungs below the ladder of that genre of enlightening entertainment . And, Will Patton may be the best audio book performer l've yet heard. And, the number of narrators I've enjoyed is nearing one-hundred. (Warning: Boast ahead!) As a Hall of Fame broadcaster, I do know who's good...really good. Will is outstanding. You'll hear it, too!)

Ingenuity of man

I enjoyed the book. People of race and sex working together and thinking together. Never read in high school, never heard of it till I saw on list of books to read.

Just good

This book was recommended by a friend. It's just about life in general, how communities can come together over what seems to be insurmountable odds, and how new life can spring forth and flourish. The wiring was terrific and I didn't want to put it down. I listened on Audible and Will Patton did an incredible job. I love his work in general, but this book was the first I've listened to him narrate and now I'll go try to find more.

Loved it!

The post-apocalyptic genre is my favorite. This book did not disappoint. It holds up 60+ years later. As always, Will Patton’s narration was flawless. He brings characters to life like no other.

Yes, the attitudes toward and about women were a touch grating, but it kept me grounded in the period the book was written. It would have been easy to forget were it not for the occasional chauvinistic comments and emphasis on traditional gender roles.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre and likes a fast paced story with well-developed characters.

For a story written in 1959...

For story written in 1959, this was an excellent book. Great characters, and a great story.



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A favorite of mine since I was a teenager

I have read this book many times since I was a teenager. This is the first time I have ever listened to it. I loved every moment of it. The contents have held up really well. It’s still interesting all these years later. It still has lots of “food for thought”.

A Great Classic

I particularly enjoyed this as a citizen of central Florida. It was written when I was only 3 years old, but a lot of Florida then was similar in the 60’s I grew up in. This is a good listen after the first three Wm. Fortschen “One Second After” series. I’m looking forward to #4 in August

Even Better Than I Remember

Read Alas Babylon in 8th grade. 50 years later, it is even better! Appropriate today given the turmoil in the world amidst nuclear armed countries.

Fear of apocalypse under Biden

Ever since Joe Biden became president, my fears of the world have escalated. This incompetent Marxist compromised regime has put in the world in a precarious place. Never before have I felt the need to think about preparation. This book actually offers Hope. America will survive past this malicious idiot.