<P> Set in a future following the destruction of industrial civilization , the story is narrated by a young man who is the son of a priest . The priests of John 's people ( the hill people ) are inquisitive people associated with the divine . They are the only ones who can handle metal collected from the homes ( called the `` Dead Places '' ) of long - dead people whom they believe to be gods . The plot follows John 's self - assigned mission to get to the Place of the Gods . His father allows him to go on a spiritual journey , not realizing John is going to this forbidden place . </P>
<P> Set in a future following the destruction of industrial civilization , the story is narrated by a young man who is the son of a priest . The priests of John 's people ( the hill people ) are inquisitive people associated with the divine . They are the only ones who can handle metal collected from the homes ( called the `` Dead Places '' ) of long - dead people whom they believe to be gods . The plot follows John 's self - assigned mission to get to the Place of the Gods . His father allows him to go on a spiritual journey , not realizing John is going to this forbidden place . </P>
when does the story by the waters of babylon take place
when does the story by the waters of babylon take place
a future following the destruction of industrial civilization
a future following the destruction of industrial civilization