Need help recalling an old apocalypse novel

My memory | 01/19/2021 | Lee'sGhost

[Lee'sGhost]

Please help me find the title/author of a book I read about fifty years ago. The book would be even older.

It was a post-apocalypse story where almost everyone on earth dies, I believe from a disease. (It may be that the survivors never really know because there is no way via science to find out as there are no doctors or scientist left either.) If I recall correctly, the main character was in a cave spelunking when the event occurs. He finds a minor's pick which later becomes a symbol of authority. The few survivors he finds seem to have a common health history that may explain why they survived, they were bitten by snakes or spiders or perhaps stung by scorpions, something like that.

Later, he "marries" a "woman of color" and lives in California, maybe L.A. I remember he watches the lights go out over time in grid blocks as relays fail and power plants go off line. One key point is that, late in life, he shows his grandchildren and perhaps great grandchildren how to make a bow and arrows...his re-gift of an old technology to help them survive. Thanks for any help on this.

[Lee'sGhost]

I'd really like to find this book and re-read it as it has stuck with me through the years. I have to believe there are some FReepers out there who read it as well.

[alexander_busek]

"Earth Abides."

Regards,

[Nateman]

Could be the book that Omega Man , staring Charleston Heston was in. It was later remade into a similar movie called I am legend

[Red Badger]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Abides

[PIF]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Abides

[Lee'sGhost]

I knew I would find the answer here! Thanks!

[Lee'sGhost]

No, but thanks for the reply.

[Lee'sGhost]

Thanks!

[Lee'sGhost]

Thanks!

[Jet Jaguar]

Earth Abides. George Stewart.

[alexander_busek]

You know, you could have simply googled "post-apocalyptic novel" and "plague." It was the first "hit."

Regards,

[DannyTN]

Was it about memory loss?

[Fai Mao]

“Earth Abides.”
Regards,
______

You beat me to it.
The prose was a bit turgid at times but a good read.

It is still in print.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/earth-abides-george-r-stewart/1100623632?ean=9780358380214

[Captain Compassion]

Yes. Perhaps one of the best SF books ever.

[Red Badger]

ISWYDT..............................................

[Bookshelf]

Stewart was for years a teacher of creative writing at the U. of California, Berkeley. He was popular, and his books, Storm, Fire, etc., were best sellers and cleverly written.

[Salamander]

[kiryandil]

You know, you could have simply googled "post-apocalyptic novel" and "plague." It was the first "hit."

I actually have to stop and think before I do a search about whether Goolag will give me honest results these days...

[Perseverando]

Check this site for free ebooks to “borrow.” I also saw some audio books choices, and maybe a podcast.

https://archive.org/search.php?query=earth+abides

[MarineBrat]

Earth Abides was also made into one of my all-time favorite radio dramas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K-FgM1xK2o