The Begum's Millions

Jules Verne · 1879 · Novel

Explore this on the mapTrace its ancestors and descendants live in the tree.

Dystopian Societies & Totalitarian Control

It bridged the concept of utopian social engineering with the industrial capabilities of the age, presenting contrasting visions of technologically-driven societies.

What it is

This novel explores the creation of two opposing utopian and dystopian cities, one focused on public health and the other on arms manufacturing. It examines the potential for scientific and industrial power to shape societal ideals, for better or worse.

↑Inherited from(1)

Erewhon· 1872↑ open

Erewhon was an early and influential critique of technology and societal norms, which Verne also explored in his contrasting visions of technologically-driven societies.

↓Passed on to(1)

Looking Backward· 1888↓ open

Bellamy's vision of a highly organized, state-controlled society, even if benevolent, can be seen as building upon earlier critiques of societal norms and the potential for social engineering found in The Begum's Millions.