To Whom This May Come 1898 By: Edward Bellamy (1850-1898)
To Whom This May Come 1898 by Edward Bellamy is a thought-provoking and visionary novel that explores social and economic issues of the time. Set in the late 19th century, the story presents a compelling narrative through a series of letters exchanged between various characters. Bellamy's writing style is engaging and captures the reader's attention from the very beginning. The epistolary format adds a unique touch to the storytelling, allowing the reader to experience the events through the personal perspectives of the characters. Each letter provides a different viewpoint, offering a well-rounded understanding of the overarching themes. One of the prominent themes in the novel is the critique of the capitalist system. Bellamy presents an alternative future society in which the principles of socialism and cooperative living have been implemented. Through his vivid and detailed descriptions, he paints a picture of a utopian world in which everyone's needs are met and wealth is distributed equally. The author's ability to depict this idealistic society is what makes the novel so fascinating. He explores the intricacies of this new social structure, showcasing its benefits and addressing potential challenges. Bellamy's vision of a society driven by communal values and collective welfare is both refreshing and thought-provoking, especially considering the time in which it was written. Furthermore, Bellamy's characters are well-developed and relatable. Each individual represents a different perspective, giving voice to various social classes and belief systems. This diversity adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a personal level. The exchanges between the correspondents reveal their struggles, desires, and hopes for a better future, making the book emotionally engaging. However, one aspect that may deter some readers is the occasional didactic tone in certain parts of the novel, as Bellamy tends to use his characters' letters to express his own opinions. While this strengthens the novel's social commentary, it can at times detract from the overall flow of the story. In conclusion, To Whom This May Come 1898 by Edward Bellamy is a captivating novel that offers a unique perspective on social and economic issues of its time. Bellamy's rich storytelling, engaging characters, and thought-provoking vision of a prosperous future society make this book a worthwhile read for anyone interested in exploring alternative models of society. First Page: TO WHOM THIS MAY COME By Edward Bellamy 1898 It is now about a year since I took passage at Calcutta in the ship Adelaide for New York. We had baffling weather till New Amsterdam Island was sighted, where we took a new point of departure. Three days later, a terrible gale struck us Four days we flew before it, whither, no one knew, for neither sun, moon, nor stars were at any time visible, and we could take no observation. Toward midnight of the fourth day, the glare of lightning revealed the Adelaide in a hopeless position, close in upon a low lying shore, and driving straight toward it. All around and astern far out to sea was such a maze of rocks and shoals that it was a miracle we had come so far. Presently the ship struck, and almost instantly went to pieces, so great was the violence of the sea. I gave myself up for lost, and was indeed already past the worst of drowning, when I was recalled to consciousness by being thrown with a tremendous shock upon the beach. I had just strength enough to drag myself above the reach of the waves, and then I fell down and knew no more. When I awoke, the storm was over. The sun, already halfway up the sky, had dried my clothing, and renewed the vigor of my bruised and aching limbs. On sea or shore I saw no vestige of my ship or my companions, of whom I appeared the sole survivor... Continue reading book >>

To Whom This May Come 1898 By: Edward Bellamy (1850-1898)

To Whom This May Come 1898 by Edward Bellamy is a thought-provoking and visionary novel that explores social and economic issues of the time. Set in the late 19th century, the story presents a compelling narrative through a series of letters exchanged between various characters.

Bellamy's writing style is engaging and captures the reader's attention from the very beginning. The epistolary format adds a unique touch to the storytelling, allowing the reader to experience the events through the personal perspectives of the characters. Each letter provides a different viewpoint, offering a well-rounded understanding of the overarching themes.

One of the prominent themes in the novel is the critique of the capitalist system. Bellamy presents an alternative future society in which the principles of socialism and cooperative living have been implemented. Through his vivid and detailed descriptions, he paints a picture of a utopian world in which everyone's needs are met and wealth is distributed equally.

The author's ability to depict this idealistic society is what makes the novel so fascinating. He explores the intricacies of this new social structure, showcasing its benefits and addressing potential challenges. Bellamy's vision of a society driven by communal values and collective welfare is both refreshing and thought-provoking, especially considering the time in which it was written.

Furthermore, Bellamy's characters are well-developed and relatable. Each individual represents a different perspective, giving voice to various social classes and belief systems. This diversity adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a personal level. The exchanges between the correspondents reveal their struggles, desires, and hopes for a better future, making the book emotionally engaging.

However, one aspect that may deter some readers is the occasional didactic tone in certain parts of the novel, as Bellamy tends to use his characters' letters to express his own opinions. While this strengthens the novel's social commentary, it can at times detract from the overall flow of the story.

In conclusion, To Whom This May Come 1898 by Edward Bellamy is a captivating novel that offers a unique perspective on social and economic issues of its time. Bellamy's rich storytelling, engaging characters, and thought-provoking vision of a prosperous future society make this book a worthwhile read for anyone interested in exploring alternative models of society.

First Page:

TO WHOM THIS MAY COME

By Edward Bellamy

1898

It is now about a year since I took passage at Calcutta in the ship Adelaide for New York. We had baffling weather till New Amsterdam Island was sighted, where we took a new point of departure. Three days later, a terrible gale struck us Four days we flew before it, whither, no one knew, for neither sun, moon, nor stars were at any time visible, and we could take no observation. Toward midnight of the fourth day, the glare of lightning revealed the Adelaide in a hopeless position, close in upon a low lying shore, and driving straight toward it. All around and astern far out to sea was such a maze of rocks and shoals that it was a miracle we had come so far. Presently the ship struck, and almost instantly went to pieces, so great was the violence of the sea. I gave myself up for lost, and was indeed already past the worst of drowning, when I was recalled to consciousness by being thrown with a tremendous shock upon the beach. I had just strength enough to drag myself above the reach of the waves, and then I fell down and knew no more.

When I awoke, the storm was over. The sun, already halfway up the sky, had dried my clothing, and renewed the vigor of my bruised and aching limbs. On sea or shore I saw no vestige of my ship or my companions, of whom I appeared the sole survivor... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Edward Bellamy
Wikipedia – To Whom This May Come 1898

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac