The Last American

The Last American, J.A. Mitchell, Frederick A. Stokes and Brother, 1889

About a thousand years from now, an archaeological expedition travels by ship from Persia (now Iran) to a strange, almost mythical land called Mehrika. All of its inhabitants died suddenly in the last half of the twentieth century through some undefined, but severe, climate change.

Any contributions Mehrikans might have made to art, science or literature have been lost. The expedition arrives in New York City in the early summer, because much is made of the stifling heat and humidity. It is known that in Mehrika the people's chief passion was to buy and sell. The upper class was very fond of displaying its wealth. Huge fortunes dominated all things, even law and government. Vast sheets of paper were printed every day full of crimes, the more revolting the better. In dealings with other lands, Mehrikans wrote laws to benefit themselves. (Sound vaguely familiar?)

The expedition continues on to Washington, where a live Mehrikan is found. Unfortunately, things ultimately come to a sad end.

Mitchell makes some very good points about late 20th century America. If you can find this book, it's short, very easy to read, and quite thought provoking. (The publication date above is not a misprint; it really was published in 1889.)