The Co-opolitan: A Story of the Co-operative Commonwealth of Idaho

"The Co-opolitan: A Story of the Co-operative Commonwealth of Idaho" by Zebina Forbush is a story that explores the struggles and dreams of people trying to build a co-operative community in Idaho during a time of economic hardship. The story follows Mr. Braden, a young man who joins a big project led by John Thompson, even after experiencing personal losses. The book starts in 1897, showing an America where a huge gap between rich and poor causes suffering. Braden is in Chicago, thinking about his troubles, when he meets Thompson, who tells him that co-operation can fix the unfairness of society. Braden becomes interested in the idea of creating a community, called Co-opolis, in Idaho, where everyone shares resources and responsibilities. The beginning introduces the main ideas of community, hope, and the attempt to create a new, fairer society.