Erchomenon; or, the Republic of Materialism By ****
Published anonymously in 1879 by Australian author and minister, Henry Crocker Marriott Watson, Erchomenon; or the Republic of Materialism is one of the earliest examples of dystopian fiction. It is a sleeper awakes story that describes a scientifically advanced future, filled with flying machines and other technologies, and governed by a secular, socialist state that is based on ideas of the French philosopher Auguste Comte and Charles Darwin’s natural selection. Children are separated at birth from their parents and raised in “baby farms,” and euthanasia is commonly used on the sick or infirm members of society. Christianity is mostly forgotten, except inside of remote bands that live in seclusion and cling to their old beliefs. Errata slip laid in. 32-page publisher's catalogue dated "October, 1879" inserted at rear. Very rare.
Hardcover. First Edition. Octavo, bound in original decorated green cloth, stamped in black and gold. London: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle & Rivington, 1879. #10719.
Stains along edges of endpapers. Inner hinges cracked, but still holding. There is a bit of fraying at spine ends and rubbing to corners. Good or better copy of a book scarce in any condition.