News from Nowhere; Or, An Epoch of Rest Being Some Chapters from a Utopian Romance

"News from Nowhere; Or, An Epoch of Rest" by William Morris is a utopian romance first published in the late 19th century. The narrative introduces readers to a transformed society, chronicling the possibilities of an ideal world that arises after a revolution and the subsequent banishment of capitalism and industrialization. The story primarily focuses on the main character, who, after a discontented evening contemplating society’s future, mysteriously awakens in this new utopia filled with beauty, harmony, and a return to nature. The opening of the book sets the stage for the protagonist's unexpected transition from his troubled present to a serene and vibrant future. Initially, he expresses his dissatisfaction with society during a discussion with friends, yearning to witness a day free of the issues plaguing their civilization. Following a troubled night of sleep, he awakens to find it is summer instead of winter, and everything around him is transformed. He encounters new characters, including a friendly waterman who invites him to explore this idyllic world where community, kindness, and flourishing craftsmanship replace the previous crudeness and pollution of urban life. This shift ignites a sense of curiosity and wonder in the protagonist as he begins to comprehend the profound changes around him—both in the environment and the people he meets. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Morris was an English textile designer, poet, artist, writer, and socialist activist associated with the British Arts and Crafts movement. He was a major contributor to the revival of traditional British textile arts and methods of production. His literary contributions helped to establish the modern fantasy genre, while he helped win acceptance of socialism in fin de siècle Great Britain.