The British Barbarians

Grant Allen’s “The British Barbarians” features the story of Mr. Bertram Ingledew, who travels visits England from the 25th century. The story deals with the class division in English society and land ownership. An integral part of the story is the romantic relationship which develops between Ingledew and Frida Monteith, which leads to the climax of the tale. Author Grant Allen, who was considered to be a pioneer in science fiction, first published this book in 1895, the same year as H. G. Well’s “The Time Machine.” Well’s book, which also features time travel, includes a mention of Allen—although Well’s plot is quite different.