49 pages • 1 hour read
News from Nowhere
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Book Brief
207
Novel • Fiction
England • Distant Future
1890
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In News from Nowhere by William Morris, William Guest is mysteriously transported from 1890 to a 21st-century socialist utopia where he explores a transformed London, free of industrialized capitalism, and learns about its society's structure through discussions with locals. The novel illustrates Morris's vision of a fair, cooperative society where art, beauty, and communal living thrive. The book includes references to suicidal ideation.
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Fantastical
Inspirational
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
2,592 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Morris's News from Nowhere is praised for its visionary utopian ideals and social critique, reflecting on a society where human values triumph over industrialization. The prose is compelling; however, some critics find it overly idealistic and lacking in practical solutions. Its historical context and imaginative scope make it a compelling read despite occasional didacticism.
Who Should Read News from Nowhere?
A reader who enjoys News from Nowhere by William Morris likely appreciates visionary utopian fiction, socio-political commentary, and arts and crafts in literature. Fans of Edward Bellamy’s Looking Backward or Thomas More’s Utopia may find this book particularly engaging due to its idealistic and transformative themes.
2,592 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Richard “Dick” Hammond
Richard “Dick” Hammond
Acts as Guest’s tour guide and exemplifies the warmth and camaraderie of 21st-century England, facilitating transformative experiences and posing enlightening questions about 19th-century assumptions.
Clara
Clara
A woman from the future society who was once married to Dick, she becomes a second interlocutor for Guest, offering insights into the customs and freedoms of the 21st century while sticking to traditional virtues.
Ellen
Ellen
Granddaughter to an older man who shows Guest, Dick, and Clara hospitality at Runnymede, she embodies optimism, and her attraction to Guest helps him navigate his experiences in the future world.
Hammond
Hammond
Dick’s 105-year-old great-grandfather, known for his sharp mind and historical knowledge, who shares insights into the events leading to the formation of the utopian society with Guest.
207
Novel • Fiction
England • Distant Future
1890
Adult
18+ years
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