The tale of global climate change resulting from the Sun approaching Earth. Humanity is on the brink of extinction, and the main character embarks on a journey to a place where, according to legends, people live in better conditions. All presented in an ironic manner, typical of Lovecraft, who holds humanity in contempt.
Although the work is authored by Barlow, Lovecraft introduced numerous stylistic changes and also wrote the majority of the final chapter.
The title is derived from a poem by Robert Burns titled "A Red, Red Rose."