Mr. Adam. Illustrated

Mr. Adam, first published in 1946, is Pat Frank’s sharply satirical and delightfully provocative novel about a world thrown into chaos by an unexpected scientific disaster. Blending humor, social commentary, and speculative fiction, Frank imagines a future America grappling with an unprecedented crisis—one that turns ordinary life, politics, and gender roles upside down.

The trouble begins when a massive nuclear accident renders the entire male population of the United States sterile—everyone, that is, except one unassuming engineer named Luke Adam. Overnight, Adam becomes the most important man in the nation, the subject of political schemes, scientific debates, and public obsession. Government officials scramble to devise plans to secure the future of the human race, while media outlets turn Adam into a reluctant celebrity.

Narrated by Adam’s friend and co-worker, the wisecracking journalist Steve Smith, the novel unfolds as a witty and often biting commentary on bureaucracy, sensationalism, and the absurdities of American culture. Adam himself, overwhelmed by unwanted fame and responsibility, must navigate a life transformed by forces far beyond his control, while powerful institutions compete to direct his destiny.

Frank uses the novel’s fantastical premise not only for comedic effect but also to explore deeper questions about power, ethics, and the fragility of civilization in an age of scientific advance. The result is a smart, fast-paced narrative that feels both entertaining and eerily prescient.

Mr. Adam remains a standout work in mid-20th-century satirical fiction—clever, engaging, and surprisingly relevant. It is a playful yet pointed reminder of how quickly societal norms can shift when confronted with the unimaginable.