The novel opens with the description of Brother Francis preparing to enter the monastery of Leibowitz. The time is Lent, before Easter.

The monastery and its band of monks stores, studies, copies, and hunts for books that existed before the holocaust of distant memory.

The novel is in three parts, each part separated from the others by centuries. Throughout each part the reader encounters the same individuals or at least memories of those individuals. Novice Brother Francis is the first we meet and then Benajamin, an old Jew, who has apparently lived within vicinity of the monastery since before the holocaust, a millennium before. He will be more than two millennia old by the end of the book.

A manuscript from Blessed Leibowitz is found early in the novel and its contents (an electronic schematic) reappear throughout the novel. A statue of Leibowitz is another item that readers encounter throughout. Vultures and sharks close each part of the book.

These items - symbols - help the reader connect the parts of the novel even though they are separated by centuries. The monastic setting is accurate. There is a liberal and and correct use of Latin (check TRANSLATIONS for English rendering) in appropriate settings. Miller either researched extremely well, or lived in a monastic community.

The reader views the redeveloping civilization of the North American continent as if he were watching a movie. The novel offers important ideas about society for the reader to be aware of. In fact the action of the novel is created by the meshing of human nature and progressing civilization.

Miller presents several themes, all of which are concerned with how humanity uses its tenure on the earth. Do we act responsibly? Do we concern ourselves with others? Have we learned anything from the past? Are we closer to peace than we have been? Do we learn from education and technology?

These questions governments consider. But the issues of arms limitation, of hostages, of revolutions, of politics and society are vital questions for all humans and the earth.

Themes and ideas you should think about as you read:

1. Does technology just happen, or is it connected to education?

2. Does technology take on the aspect of a ruler? Can humans control it?

3. Is world peace a foolish and fleeting dream?

4. Are we doomed to a repetition of cycles: civilization, destruction, rebuilding?

Fiat Homo - (Let there be a man) - RECOVER

Fiat Lux - (Let there be light) - RELEARN

Fiat Voluntas Tua - (Let your will be done) - REBOUND