The Future in America

This is the annotated edition including the rare biographical essay by Edwin E. Slosson called "H. G. Wells - A Major Prophet Of His Time".



Mr. Wells has done important literary work, appreciation of which must increase as time goes on; but he has done nothing which so clearly entitles him to a prominent place among the distinguished men of letters as his " Future in America." Whether we consider its substance or its form, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to name another 'author equally well equipped to produce such a book. His stay in this country was short, but the two chapters written before he reached America—one in his study in England, and one on the ocean—indicate how complete was his preparation for a correct interpretation of our problems and so-called progress, with which, although he had been free of actual and interested contact, he had, nevertheless, been intimately identified in their intellectual and economic and spiritual import. Accordingly, we have a work of rare merit and absorbing interest. The book's views may not minister to America's vanity, but it ought to have a wide influence with them as a people. There would be no doubt about its having such influence, if we did not so much exaggerate the importance of the views of the so-called practical man whose judgment is rarely based on contemplation, but is often warped by interest or excessive activity—that we are disposed to neglect the best counsel of the worthy men of letters. For the world of ideas and the world of activities lie close together, and, sooner or later, there will be some just appraisement of our legacy from great authors—not alone from the standpoint of mere literary excellence, but of the immediate relation of their writings to a correct disposition of social and economic ills.