A Hundred Years Hence: The Expectations of an Optimist

London: T. Fisher Unwin, 1905 . First edition. Brochure/Pamphlet. Good. 8.5" by 6". None. A signed first edition of this vanishingly scarce work in which the author makes predictions about society one hundred years in the future. The first edition of this very scarce work. A US edition, also very scarce, was published the following year.Inscribed by the author to the half title with, 'E.B.R. from T.B.R. March 28 1905'. Little is known about the author of this work, but due to the similarity in initials, it is likely this is a presentation copy inscribed to a family member.In his introduction, the author writes, 'the following was at first intended to be no more than an at-tempt to foresee the probable trend of mechanical invention and scientific discovery during the present century', he expands the work, however, to include sections dedicated to subjects including the law, religion, economics, the newspapers, and education, alongside discussing matters surrounding housing and population.Russell explains that in 'these expectations of an optimist, a great ethical improvement of the civilised human race has been anticipated, and a rate of progress foreseen which perhaps no previous writers have looked for'. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Bumping to spine head and tail, with light discolouration to spine. Handling marks to boards. Inscription to front free endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages a touch age toned, with light spotting and handling works throughout. Good