Cover of Looking Backward

Looking Backward

by Edward Bellamy

First published
1888
Reading level
Plain English
Price
Free

About the book

"Looking Backward: 2000-1887" by Edward Bellamy is a utopian science fiction novel published in 1888. The story follows Julian West, a young American who falls into a deep sleep in 1887 and awakens 113 years later to find the United States transformed into a socialist utopia. Through conversations with his guide, Doctor Leete, West discovers a radically reimagined society where industry is nationalized, goods are equally distributed, and citizens enjoy unprecedented leisure and prosperity. The novel sparked a political mass movement and inspired over 162 discussion clubs across America.

  • Science fiction
  • Utopias
  • Social problems
  • Time travel
  • Boston (Mass.)
  • Utopian fiction

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #25439. Looking Backward on Wikipedia.

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