A comprehensive guide that draws from reams of historical data, laboratory experiments, field research, and eyewitness accounts.

An epidemic of apocalyptic proportions has swept the globe, causing the dead to rise and feed on the living. In a matter of months, society has crumbled: There is no government, no grocery stores, no mail delivery, no cable TV. In a world ruled by the dead, we are forced to finally begin living.

Nuclear war has devastated America, except for the valley where Ann Burden has been living alone - until Loomis, a scientist in a radiation-proof suit, arrives. She hopes they will be companions but his behaviour towards her becomes threatening as he attacks her and then cuts off her food supply and tries to bring her under his control.

In New York City the dead walk the streets, driven by an insatiable hunger for all things living. One among their hordes is different: though he shares their appetites he has retained his human intelligence. Alone among the mindless zombies, Gary Fleck is an eyewitness to the end of the world.