On the Beach:

Years after its publication, "On the Beach" remains the most compelling book ever written on nuclear war and humankind. It offers a stark contrast between human indencency and decency in the quiet chronicle of the end of our existence, as the radioactive aftermath of nuclear war spreads from the warring countries to the remainder of the globe.

Only the inhabitants of Australia and the men of the US submarine Sawfish have escaped the nuclear destruction and radiation. Captain Dwight Towers takes the Sawfish on a mission to see if an approaching radiation cloud has weakened, but returns with grim news: the cloud is lethal. With the days and hours dwindling, each person confronts the grim situation in his or her own way. One realizes a lifetime Grand Prix ambition,another reaches out for a chance at love.

The final chapter of human history is coming to a close...