A Journey in Other Worlds: A Romance of the Future

New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1894 . First edition. Cloth. Very Good. 8" by 6". Dan Beard. The uncommon first edition of John Jacob Astor's science fiction novel, in which he offers an account of life in the year 2000. The work of American business magnate John Jacob Astor IV, a prominent member of the Astor family. Astor died in April 1912 aboard the RMS Titanic, and was the richest passenger aboard. His pregnant wife survived the sinking, but their pet Airedale, Kitty, perished.Astor's novel depicts a utopian future earth dominated by a capitalistic America, with the countries of Europe having succumbed to socialism.The novel speculates on future technological advances, with descriptions of a worldwide telephone network, solar power, air travel, space travel, and terraforming.Illustrated with a frontispiece and nine plates by American illustrator Dan Beard. Collated, complete.With the former owner's stamp of Henry B. Russel to the front pastedown.An excellent copy of the uncommon first edition of this late eighteenth century work of utopian fiction. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Bumping to spine head and tail, and board perimeters. Otherwise, externally excellent. Hinges strained, and a touch tender. Former owner's stamp to front pastedown. Internally, firmly bound. Pages a touch age toned to perimeters, but clean and bright. Very Good