The Twentieth Century (Early Classics of Science Fiction)

Rating:
Summary: Robida's social commentary is still relevant today
Review: In his remarkable science fiction novel, The Twentieth Century, the late Albert Robida (1848-1926) attempted to predict what life would be like in decades composing the 20th Century. He envisioned women dueling over gossip columns, Italy transforming into a kind of "European Park"; and the continental United States dived into Chinese spheres in the west and Germanic spheres in the east. Part of the outstanding "Early Classics of Science Fiction" series from Wesleyan University Press, The Twentieth Century is translated into English by Philippe Willems and is enhanced with more than 300 original drawings by Robida. More than 120 years have passed since this remarkable novel's first appearance. What is perhaps most amazing of all is how much of Robida's social commentary is still relevant today. The Twentieth Century is highly recommended reading, especially for anyone who enjoys the kind of speculative and political science fiction commentaries that H.G. Wells and Jules Verne were so noted for.