Mellonta Tauta

Mellonta Tauta (1849)

Edgar Allan Poe

In the year 2848, a man crossing the Atlantic in a dirigible reflects upon the follies of 19th century philosophy, fashion, and science—with a pointed attack on American republicanism thrown in for good measure. Poe at his most contentious. Manifestly not science fiction, which is just as well, as otherwise it would be severely dated. Compare with Rudyard Kipling’s later “With the Night Mail.”

Reviewed by: Nat Hocken

Rating: 3
