The Coming Race by EGEL Bulwer-Lytton. Summary of the book.

The Coming Race by EGEL Bulwer-Lytton: Summary of the book

The Coming Race is a science fiction novel written by Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, published in 1871. It is considered one of the first science fiction works in history. It is a story about a sub-race of people living in a subterranean civilization, who have discovered the power of a mysterious energy source called Vril.

The protagonist of the story is an unnamed narrator who falls into a cave and discovers the existence of the Vril-ya, a subterranean race of people. The Vril-ya are described as being physically and intellectually superior to the people of the surface world. They have advanced technology, which is powered by Vril. The narrator is accepted into their society and learns about their culture and customs. He also discovers their plans to use Vril to take over the surface world.

The story is a utopian novel, in which the Vril-ya are portrayed as a peaceful and enlightened race. Despite their advanced technology, they do not seek to conquer or enslave the surface world, but rather to share their knowledge and technology with them. The novel also explores themes such as the power of science and technology, the possibilities of a utopian society, and the dangers of a totalitarian government.

Main Characters

  • The narrator – the protagonist of the story
  • The Vril-ya – a race of people living in a subterranean civilization, who have discovered the power of the mysterious energy source called Vril
  • Zee – a woman from the Vril-ya, who helps the narrator understand their culture and customs
  • Yuah – a Vril-ya leader who seeks to use Vril to conquer the surface world

Interesting Facts

  • The Coming Race was very popular in its time and was an influence on many later science fiction works, including H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine.
  • The novel popularized the word “Vril”, which was later adopted by Theosophists and other occult groups.
  • The novel also introduced the concept of a “hollow earth”, which was later adopted by some fringe theorists.

FAQs

  • What is the book The Coming Race about?
    The Coming Race is a science fiction novel about a sub-race of people living in a subterranean civilization, who have discovered the power of a mysterious energy source called Vril. The protagonist of the story is an unnamed narrator who falls into a cave and discovers the existence of the Vril-ya. The Vril-ya are described as being physically and intellectually superior to the people of the surface world, and they have plans to use Vril to take over the surface world.
  • Who wrote The Coming Race?
    The Coming Race was written by Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer-Lytton, and was published in 1871.
  • What are the main themes of The Coming Race?
    The Coming Race explores themes such as the power of science and technology, the possibilities of a utopian society, and the dangers of a totalitarian government.
  • What are some interesting facts about The Coming Race?
    The Coming Race was very popular in its time and was an influence on many later science fiction works, including H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine. The novel popularized the word “Vril”, which was later adopted by Theosophists and other occult groups. The novel also introduced the concept of a “hollow earth”, which was later adopted by some fringe theorists.

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