Paris 2052; in France, where the prosperous city, where the man's progress bursts, where electricity, become indispensable, even replaced agriculture, everything seems possible and Man does not even afraid of death. Yet after a tremendous power failure, the city is suddenly plunged into chaos. A effoyable takes Parisians panic, leaving men prey to their most basic instincts: egotism, madness, looting, killing, cruelty ... In this post-apocalyptic world where reigns the law of the strongest, François became the leader of a group of a few survivors and, over many perils, joined the south of France where agriculture has retained its place. Written and published in 1943, this science fiction novel is a pessimistic novel that denounces the failings and dangers of "progress" of society. Especially, written during the German occupation, some parallels are troubling (flight to the South of France, difficult and dangerous exodus, destruction of means of communication, struggle and violence for survival, hunger ...) and the book n ' is reminiscent, in spirit, the beautiful metaphor Hussard on the roof of Giono.