Looking Backward was the third best-selling book of the 19th century, after Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Not only did it create an American genre of utopian fiction and inspire a generation of writers and intellectuals, it also launched an intellectual and political movement called “nationalism.” Except that Looking Backward, first published in 1888, is the most influential novel you’ve probably never heard of-or read. This may not seem like a shocking oversight. But there is one interesting commonality: Despite the dedication to the topic of nationalism-specifically American nationalism-none of them (see footnote) mention Edward Bellamy or his utopian science fiction book, Looking Backward. A few see nationalism as a grave threat to the American experiment many others see it as its salvation. Emphasizing different angles and arguments-international relations, economics, history, politics, and of course, President Trump-these efforts vary in seriousness and quality. Scholarly journals, op-ed pages, and a slew of books on the topic have been pouring forth in a torrent. (Summary adapted from Wikipedia)įor further information, including links to online text, reader information, RSS feeds, CD cover or other formats (if available), please go to the LibriVox catalog page for this recording.įor more free audio books or to become a volunteer reader, visit elites are very excited about nationalism. This book outlines Bellamy's complex thoughts about improving the future, and is an indictment of industrial capitalism. has been transformed into a socialist utopia. 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. 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.

It was the third largest bestseller of its time, after Uncle Tom's Cabin and Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.

Looking Backward: 2000-1887 is a utopian novel by Edward Bellamy,, first published in 1888. LibriVox recording of Looking Backward: 2000-1887, by Edward Bellamy.

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