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In the twenty-second century, America lies in ruins, destroyed by vandalism and arson. The time is 2147, and the accounts of the collapse from the surviving papers, first published in 2110 CE, are now updated with "The Larsen Papers," contained within the voluminous The Decline and Fall of the American Nation. As witness, Larsen offers in his papers a diary and other writings, observations, and testimonials of the inexplicable fall of America, the state of academia, and the destruction of the human race from within. Miraculously spared from the fires that spread through Actaeon College of Institutional Analysis and Social Control, "The Larsen Papers" are now revealed to the world.
This is not your ordinary, everyday novel. In his fourth book of fiction, Larsen infuses himself as a fictional character whose surviving work is regarded with historical importance: writings and observations of a very plausible and apocalyptic America that will be studied and researched for years to come. "The Larsen Papers" were largely in good condition, but in no specific order and the reader is presented with what was salvaged and pieced together. The fictional editors note, "In regard to damaged primary documents, editorial policy throughout has followed long-standing tradition in transferring them to the printed page in such a way as to duplicate as nearly as possible the exact physical appearance of the original."
The real Eric Larsen is working at a deeper level here, exploring possibilities with different narrative forms to comment on issues relevant to American society today. He includes side notes, footnotes, diary entries, diagrams, and more. It is at once disturbing, humorous, and altogether daring, crafted together with a nonlinear and free-form structure that is wholly unique. Readers who enjoy apocalyptic tales and crave more creative, challenging works will understand and appreciate Larsen's new novel.