Looking Backward: 2000 to 1887 (Wisehouse Classics Edition)

LOOKING BACKWARD: 2000-1887 is a utopian science fiction novel by Edward Bellamy, a journalist and writer from Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts; it was first published in 1888. It was the third-largest bestseller of its time. It influenced a large number of intellectuals. Erich Fromm writes &quote;It is one of the few books ever published that created almost immediately on its appearance a political mass movement.&quote;Bellamy's novel tells the story of a hero figure named Julian West, a young American who, towards the end of the 19th century, falls into a deep, hypnosis-induced sleep and wakes up one hundred and thirteen years later. He finds himself in the same location (Boston, Massachusetts), but in a totally changed world: It is the year 2000 and, while he was sleeping, the United States has been transformed into a socialist utopia. The remainder of the book outlines Bellamy's thoughts about improving the future. The major themes include problems associated with capitalism, a proposed socialist solution of a nationalization of all industry, the use of an &quote;industrial army&quote; to organize production and distribution, as well as how to ensure free cultural production under such conditions. In the United States alone, over 162 &quote;Bellamy Clubs&quote; sprang up to discuss and propagate the book's ideas. Owing to its commitment to the nationalization of private property and the desire to avoid use of the odious term &quote;Socialism,&quote; this political movement came to be known as &quote;Nationalism&quote; -not to be confused with the political concept of nationalism. The novel also inspired several utopian communities. (more on www.wisehouse-classics.com)