Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887

"Looking Backward, 2000-1887" by Edward Bellamy is a story set at the end of the 19th century, centered on Julian West, a privileged Bostonian who unexpectedly wakes up in the year 2000 to a completely changed world. He finds that society has been reborn, leaving behind the old struggles and imbalances of his time. Through interactions with Dr. Leete he is educated and begins to understand the profound social and economic leaps that have created a fairer society. The story starts with Julian West looking back at his old life which included luxury and money at the misfortune of others. He sees the divides in society and sets the scene for the changes he is about to witness. West then finds himself in a future he doesn't know but that fascinates him and is characterized by a shift from capitalism to a society where the government controls production and work for the good of everyone. At first, he's confused and doesn't believe it, but eventually, he starts to understand, paving the way for an examination of this new society and what it means for the problems of his own time.