The Purple Cloud

In September 1901, publication of M. P. Shiel’s The Purple Cloud. This “last man” novel uses a volcanic eruption as a key plot point, alludes to Krakatoa, and incorporates some of the media and genres of communication that dominated discussions of Krakatoa. Image: Photograph of Mr. and Mrs. M. P. Shiel. Third generation image adopted from a photo published in "The Candid Friend" in 1901. Since it was published prior to 1923, it would be in the public domain under US law, and a minimum of fair use elsewhere.