Brave New World Revisited by Aldous Huxley

Brave New World Revisited by Aldous Huxley

2005, Harper Perennial Modern Classics

Goodreads / Amazon

Rating

Synopsis: When the novel "Brave New World" first appeared in 1932, its shocking analysis of a scientific dictatorship seemed a projection into the remote future. Here, in one of the most important and fascinating books of his career, Aldous Huxley uses his tremendous knowledge of human relations to compare the modern-day world with his prophetic fantasy. He scrutinizes threats to humanity, such as overpopulation, propaganda, and chemical persuasion, and explains why we have found it virtually impossible to avoid them. "Brave New World Revisited" is a trenchant plea that humankind should educate itself for freedom before it is too late.

Why read: Enjoyed Brave New World

What impressed me: I loved the concept of Huxley writing essays commenting on how the things he wrote about long ago in Brave New World translated into modern life.

What disappointed me: Unfortunately, modern life isn't what it once was. While Huxley drew parallels between things he created and that which ended up actually occurring in the course of his lifetime, his lifetime ended over 50 years ago, making the book less than accurate. Things he foresaw coming to pass soon never did and things have changed in ways he never imagined or at least mentioned.

Recommended: Not really. Too much time has past since Huxley wrote Revisited and it just doesn't hold up given modern developments.