• Alas, Babylon

  • By: Pat Frank
  • Narrated by: Will Patton
  • Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (13,327 ratings)

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Alas, Babylon  By  cover art

Alas, Babylon

By: Pat Frank
Narrated by: Will Patton
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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)

Featured Article: The 20 Best Survival Audiobooks for the Prepper in All of Us


Whether we’re focused on the apocalypse or just an ill-timed breakdown on the side of a particularly remote road, there’s something about imagining survival scenarios that can be addictive. On some level, we all wonder if we would have what it takes to pit ourselves against the worst the world can possibly offer and make it out alive. That’s why it’s no surprise that survival literature is so popular, and that the stories in the genre are so diverse.

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What listeners say about Alas, Babylon

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    8,156
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    3,736
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Believable for the most part.

This was an excellent book. I had read it several years ago, and I was very happy to read it again tThe only slight problem my had, was when Molokai was dying from the bullet . NOBODY staunched his bleeding, They would have done_ that even in 1959. Overall, it was well worth my time.

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Classic SciFi

Sorry I didn't read in early 1960's when I was a teenager! Yet probably Better now that I am 67?

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Perfect blend of narration and story. A real classic

This is my favorite genre. How have I gone so long without reading this book? It’s not just good, it’s truly great. I mean one of the best 50 books ever written. My personal favorite has always been “The Stand” by Stephen King. This one rates right there for me. My only complaint was that it was too short. Will Patton was amazing

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An all time favorite!

I've listened to this book at least 4 times and it NEVER gets old. I could listen to Will Patton read anything, anytime. He's fantastic. And the story? Outstanding!

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one of those books that stay with you

it's hard to believe that this book was written 60 years ago very appropriate for the time we live in now fantastically narrated i've never heard of narration by will patton that i don't like I highly recommend this book

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One of the best listens on Audible.

Besides absolutely loving and appreciating Will Payton’s talent, the story draws you in and never lets you down. Make a beeline to this book. A new favorite even when the subject is rather dire.

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Best of genre

This book was my first exposure to the now packed “post apocalyptic world” genre many moons ago. It remains the standard by which I judge others. This particular audio version is very well read and one I will return to over the years. Will Patton’s voice will now be etched into my brain as the voice of Randolph Bragg.

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What can be said that hasn’t been said...

This book is awesome. Especially if you’re someone like me who’s always waiting for the end of the world and want to be prepared. Not that we can ever be fully prepared, but man does this book put so many things into perspective. Salt and coffee! Stock up now - it’ll be gold later.

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A long time favorite

I first read this story in 1967....at the age of seven. It remains one of the best posts apocalypse stories ever written, in my opinion. Apart from a couple of minor mispronounced words, the reading was awesome!




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Excellent Read

Overlays with today at almost every turn. PAX Romana, Pax Britannica, And now the end of Pax Americana.

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