8. A Canticle For Leibowitz
Published: 1960
Author: Walter M Miller Jr
Awards: Hugo (1961)
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This novel, although it didn’t receive due praise on its release, is regarded as a seminal entry in the post-apocalyptic subgenre. It spans many years, and deals with man’s propensity toward self-destruction, as well as the cyclical nature of history and how technological advancement makes that all the more dangerous.
7. The Death Of Grass
Published: 1956
Author: Samuel Youd (as John Christopher)
Awards: N/A
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Viewed by many critics as an attempt to distance the genre from the ‘cosy catastrophe’ trope made popular by John Wyndham, The Death Of Grass deals with the end of the world as a virus originating in the East destroys staple crops over the world. It’s very dated, with dubious language, but still remains an important novel in the sub-genre.