Equality is a utopian novel by Edward Bellamy, and the sequel to Looking
Backward: 2000–1887 and was first published in 1897. The book contains a
minimal amount of plot; Bellamy primarily used Equality to expand on the
theories he first explored in Looking Backward.
The story takes up immediately after the events of Looking Backward with the
main characters from the first novel, Julian West, Doctor Leete, and his
daughter Edith.
West tells his nightmare of return to the 19th century to Edith, who is
sympathetic. West's citizenship in the new America is recognized, and he goes
to the bank to obtain his own account, or "credit card", from which he can draw
on the annual stipend all citizens receive. He learns that Edith and her mother
do not normally wear the long skirts he has seen them in (they have been
wearing them so his 19th century sensibilities will not be shocked), and when
Edith learns that he would not be shocked to see them dressed otherwise,
immediately runs into the house and comes out dressed as a modern woman in a
pants suit. Clothing varies widely, since it is made of strengthened paper, and
is recycled when dirty and replaced at very small expense (shoes and dishes are
made of variations on the same substance).
Start Page
All books by Edward Bellamy
All books in Serie Looking Backward (Bellamy)
