Cæsar's Column: A Story of the Twentieth Century

"Cæsar's Column: A Story of the Twentieth Century" by Ignatius Donnelly is a dystopian novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in a future society marked by the stark juxtaposition of extravagant wealth and abject poverty, highlighting themes of class struggle, the consequences of rampant capitalism, and moral decay. The protagonist, Gabriel Weltstein, embarks on a journey through the opulent city of New York and soon becomes embroiled in the dangers and intrigues surrounding powerful figures in this new world order. The opening of the novel introduces Gabriel Weltstein, who writes letters to his brother in Uganda, reflecting on the marvels and horrors of the vast metropolis he has entered. As he experiences the technological advancements and the artificial comforts of life in the city, he is simultaneously confronted with the crushing despair of the underclass. After a dramatic encounter where he saves a beggar from being trampled by a wealthy driver's horses, Gabriel's fate takes a dramatic turn, propelling him into a hidden society of resistance against the oppressive aristocracy. The narrative sets the stage for exploring themes of social injustice, the moral responsibilities of the privileged, and the potential for collective action among the suffering masses, capturing both a captivating tale and a prophetic warning for society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Ignatius Loyola Donnelly was an American Congressman, populist writer, and fringe scientist. He is known primarily now for his fringe theories concerning Atlantis, Catastrophism, and Shakespearean authorship. These works are widely regarded as examples of pseudoscience and pseudohistory. Donnelly's work corresponds to the writings of late-19th and early-20th century figures such as Helena Blavatsky, Rudolf Steiner, and James Churchward.