Prester John  (Paperback, John Buchan)

The novel is set in the late 19th century and tells the story of Julian West, a young man from Boston who falls into a deep sleep in 1887 and awakens in the year 2000. Julian's time travel allows the author to present a vision of a future society that has drastically transformed from the one he knew. In the year 2000, the United States has become a utopian society where many of the social and economic problems of the 19th century have been solved. The government, known as the "Industrial Army," controls and plans all aspects of production and distribution, ensuring economic equality and eliminating poverty. Citizens receive an equal income and have access to education and healthcare. The society has eliminated class distinctions and is governed by a sense of collective responsibility. Edward Bellamy's novel presents this future society as an idealized version of socialism, where cooperation and public ownership have replaced competition and private enterprise. The book advocates for social reform and envisions a world where social and economic justice prevail. "Looking Backward, 2000-1887" had a significant impact on political and social thought in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It inspired the creation of Bellamy Clubs and influenced the development of the Nationalist movement, which advocated for economic and social reform based on the principles outlined in the book. The novel's ideas also contributed to the development of the Progressive Era and discussions about alternative economic systems. Overall, "Looking Backward, 2000-1887" is an important work of utopian fiction that reflects the social and political concerns of its time and continues to be studied and discussed for its vision of a more equitable and just society.