Published in 1888, Edward Bellamy's Looking Backward 2000-1887, has been hailed as one of the most remarkable books ever published in America, one that created almost immediately upon its appearance, its own nationwide political mass movement. It was the third-largest bestseller of its time, only Ben-Hur and Uncle Tom's Cabin surpassing it in sales.
This science-fiction memoir, one of the finest, most influential "Utopian" novels ever written, follows the adventures of a Mr. Julian West, who falls asleep in the Boston of 1887—and somehow awakens in the year 2000, to find that the era of capitalism has long been replaced by a new social order, an era of mutual co-operation between peoples and nations, including the complete emancipation of women, and one in which every citizen receives a guaranteed income and education regardless of race, religious belief, nationality, or gender.
Amazingly, he foretold of astounding technological advances to come, including the wiring of homes for the transmission of news and music, and other information at the touch of a finger, as well as the use of credit cards and vast shopping centers.
Of course, his story would not be complete without the inclusion of a tender love story.
