The Coming of the Ice

"The Coming of the Ice" by G. Peyton Wertenbaker is a science fiction novella written in the early 20th century, specifically during the 1920s. The narrative explores themes of immortality and the human condition amidst an icy apocalypse. Through a speculative lens, it examines the consequences of scientific advancements and the loss of emotional connections as humanity faces extinction. The story follows the protagonist, Dennell, who undergoes a radical surgical procedure performed by his friend, Sir John Granden, which grants him eternal life by halting his aging process. Initially captivated by the prospect of endless existence, Dennell ultimately finds his emotional depth and capacity for love diminished, leading to profound loneliness after the tragic deaths of Sir John and his lover, Alice. Set against the backdrop of a slowly encroaching ice age, the tale chronicles Dennell's long and lonely life as civilization collapses under nature's relentless embrace, ultimately leaving him as the last man on Earth. As he reflects on his past and the indifference of time, he grapples with the irony of being an immortal witness to humanity's demise.