Johnson, a sort of interplay between monologue and commentator; but
that too, although it got nearer to the quality I sought, finally
failed. Then I hesitated over what one might call "hard narrative."
It will be evident to the experienced reader that by omitting
certain speculative and metaphysical elements and by elaborating
incident, this book might have been reduced to a straightforward
story. But I did not want to omit as much on this occasion. I do not
see why I should always pander to the vulgar appetite for stark
stories. And in short, I made it this. I explain all this in order
to make it clear to the reader that, however queer this book
appears at the first examination, it is the outcome of trial and
deliberation, it is intended to be as it is. I am aiming throughout
at a sort of shot-silk texture between philosophical discussion on
the one hand and imaginative narrative on the other.

H. G. WELLS.



CONTENTS

The Owner of the Voice
Chapter the First--Topographical
Chapter the Second--Concerning Freedoms
Chapter the Third--Utopian Economics
Chapter the Fourth--The Voice of Nature
Chapter the Fifth--Failure in a Modern Utopia
Chapter the Sixth--Women in a Modern Utopia
Chapter the Seventh--A Few Utopian Impressions
Chapter the Eighth--My Utopian Self