Description
By: Edward Bellamy (1850-1898)
Looking Backward: 2000-1887 by Edward Bellamy is a thought-provoking novel that explores the idea of a utopian society in the year 2000. Through the protagonist’s journey of awakening after being placed in a hypnotic trance for over a century, Bellamy presents a vision of a future where everyone is equal and taken care of by the government.
The world described in the book is strikingly different from our own, with social and economic inequalities eradicated through a system of organized labor and distribution of goods. The protagonist’s interactions with the inhabitants of this utopian society shed light on the flaws of the capitalist system and the potential benefits of a more communal way of living.
While some readers may find the premise of the novel to be overly idealistic or simplistic, Bellamy’s exploration of societal issues and his vision of a better future are thought-provoking and relevant even today. The book challenges readers to consider alternative ways of organizing society and prompts reflection on our current economic and social structures.
Overall, Looking Backward: 2000-1887 is a compelling and engaging read that offers a unique perspective on the possibilities of a more just and equitable society. Bellamy’s fluid writing style and vivid descriptions bring his vision of the future to life, making it a book that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
Book Description:
Looking Backward: 2000-1887 is a utopian novel by Edward Bellamy, first published in 1888. It was the third largest bestseller of its time, after Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.
The book tells the story of Julian West, a young American who, towards the end of the 19th century, falls into a deep, hypnosis-induced sleep and wakes up more than a century 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 U.S.A. has been transformed into a socialist utopia. This book outlines Bellamy’s complex thoughts about improving the future, and is an indictment of industrial capitalism.
