The Coming Race

A classic science fiction tale by Edward Bulmer-Lytton, The Coming Race depicts a secret, subterranean race living deep within planet Earth.

The story begins as our unnamed narrator encounters a friend, a mining engineer, who encourages him to assist in the exploration of an apparently natural chasm exposed during a mining operation. During their descent, the friend of the narrator's rope breaks, and the consequent fall kills him. 

Hereafter our narrator enters upon a strange, subterranean world populated by beings who strongly resemble angels of the Biblical canon. The peoples are not hostile, and approach the narrator with great interest. Intelligent and perceptive, the beings begin to learn English from the narrator. As they begin to pick up the language, they are able to teach the narrator about their society and its principles. 

For its unusual tone and well-written nature, The Coming Race gained popularity in late 19th century society. The name 'Vril' became slang for a life-giving elixir, with the famous beef product such as Bovril formed of a portmanteau between 'Bovine' and 'Vril'. In addition, Bulmer-Lytton became regarded - many say erroneously - as an occultist. 

Published anonymously in 1871, it nevertheless became known that Bulmer-Lytton was the author of this work. It attained some cult status in the years to follow, with a rumored society dedicated to the Vril and their culture supposedly forming in Berlin in the early 20th century.