Pictures of the Socialistic Future - Eugen Richter

Going from one extreme to it's polar opposite, I recently read (and blogged on) the heavily pro-socialist novel,The Iron Heel - by Jack London only to go on to read Pictures of the Socialistic Future written by the German anti-socialist, Eugen Richter.

Written as a response to the ideas of German Socialist August Bebel, Richter's dystopian novel predicts the dire consequences Germany would face should the country follow the path put forth by the Socialists.

Written in 1891, the novel is considered the 19th century version of Orwell's 1984.

The subject is obviously a serious one, but Richter was not adverse to using humor from time to time to attack Bebel and his ideas. It's not all fun and games, however as there is enough tragedy and rioting to go around.

After being relentlessly bombarded by London's pro-Marxist cannon balls, it was a relief to read Richter's defense of economic, political and religious freedom.