Looking Backward from 2000 to 1887
Looking Backward 2000-1887 is a utopian science fiction novel by Edward Bellamy, a lawyer & writer from Chicopee Falls, MA. It was first published in 1888. According to Erich Fromm, Looking Backward is "one of the most remarkable books ever published in America". It influenced a large number of intellectuals & appears by title in many of the major Marxist writings of the day. "It is one of the few books ever published that created almost immediately on its appearance a political mass movement". In the USA alone, over 162 Bellamy Clubs sprang up to discuss & propagate the book's ideas. Owing to its commitment to the nationalization of private property, this political movement came to be known as Nationalism, not to be confused with the political concept of nationalism. It novel also inspired several utopian communities. 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 & wakes up 113 years later. He finds himself in the same location (Boston), but in a totally changed world: It's the year 2000 &, while he was sleeping, the USA has become a socialist utopia.