Edward Bellamy (1850 - 1898) was an American author most famous for his utopian novel, Looking Backward, a Rip Van Winkle-like tale set in the distant future of the year 2000. Bellamy's vision of a harmonious future world inspired the formation of over 160 "Nationalist Clubs" dedicated to the propagation of Bellamy's political ideas and working to make them a practical reality. Bellamy's early novels, including Six to One (1877), Dr. Heidenhoff's Process (1880), and Miss Ludington's Sister (1884) were unremarkable works, making use of standard psychological plots. A turn to utopian science fiction with Looking Backward, 2000-1887, published in January 1888, captured the public imagination and catapulted Bellamy to literary fame. The publisher of the book could scarcely keep up with demand. Within a year the book had sold some 200,000 copies and by the end of the 19th century it had sold more copies than any other book published in America outside of Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. In this book: Looking Backwards from 2000 to 1887 Equality Miss Ludington's Sister Dr. Heidenhoff's Process An Echo Of Antietam A Positive Romance At Pinney's Ranch The Duke of Stockbridge A Love Story Reversed Hooking Watermelons To Whom This May Come With The Eyes Shut The Cold Snap Lost The Old Folks' Party Deserted A Summer Evening's Dream The Blindman's World