Looking Backward from 2000 to 1887 by Edward Bellamy

Written in the 1880s, LOOKING BACKWARD 2000-1887 was one of the best-selling books of the 19th century.  Set in the distant future of 2000, the story follows Julian West, an American who awakes from a trance after 113 years.  The world he discovers has been transformed into a socialist utopia, which Bellamy successfully contrasts with contemporary 1880s society. 

Edward Bellamy (1850-1898) was an influential American writer and advocate of socialism.  His works, including LOOKING BACKWARD, inspired the founding of a number of utopian communities to bring his vision for the future to reality.  He was the cousin of Francis Bellamy, famous for creating the Pledge of Allegiance