Content:

The development of mankind after a nuclear war, through dark ages, middle ages through the time of rediscovery of electricity, nuclear power and space flight ... monks are the ones who make the important rediscoveries. So Miller presents us with an alternate histpory or future of mankind, building on the notion that the development goes in circles.

The theme of the monks as the ones to rediscover certain technological aspects is not too far fetched, as well as their ability to keep their structures and influence over many handreds of years, since it was quite common in earlier times that scientific knowledge was kept within close circles of powerful religious organisations.
____________________________________________