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THE QUEST FOR UTOPIA by

THE QUEST FOR UTOPIA

By

Publisher: Henry Schuman

An Anthology of Imaginary Societies"" which puts between covers some extensive excerpts from the works of utopists down through the ages. The introduction, which provides an excellent orientation to this field of fictional- if not always fanciful-forecasting of brave new worlds, points up the changing ideas and ideals which have motivated this type of speculation, which- for all its chimerical invention, is also social and political and economic in its concerns. The editors have made their selections on the basis of availability- in print, rather than literary superiority, and this gives the book a particular value for libraries. Opening with modern utopias (1850 to 1950) which introduced economic issues, you will find the works of Ignatius Donnelly, John Macnie, Theodor Hartzka, Albert Chavannes, William Stanley, Gabriel Tarde, Conde B. Pallen, and the more familiar, famous H. G. Wells; this then retrogresses in time to the classical utopias (Thomas More), the renaissance (Robert Burton) down to Francis Bacon and Fenelon- these the more recognizable among those represented. The collection is generous in its coverage and inclusions, and the editors offer a connecting commentary on the contributors and cycles. A staple item.