In Sydney Fowler Wright’s Deluge, earthquakes and floods destroy most of civilization, but a small population in England survives. The post-apocalyptic novel is as much about criticizing present-day society as it is about the future society it depicts. A film adaptation came out in 1933.

The author’s estate, more interested in readers than royalties, already has posted a free online edition. The 1928 edition becomes public domain in the US in 40 days (and 40 nights). #PublicDomainDayCountdown