Science Fiction Wells, H.G.: The Sleeper Awakes. v1. 29 Sep 2009

[HarryT]

Description from Amazon:

A troubled insomniac in 1890s England falls suddenly into a sleep-like trance, from which he does not awake for over two hundred years. During his centuries of slumber, however, investments are made that make him the richest and most powerful man on Earth. But when he comes out of his trance he is horrified to discover that the money accumulated in his name is being used to maintain a hierarchal society in which most are poor, and more than a third of all people are enslaved. Oppressed and uneducated, the masses cling desperately to one dream – that the sleeper will awake, and lead them all to freedom.

Note: This is a revised version of the book originally published under the title When the Sleeper Wakes. Wells was very unhappy with the original version of the book and, as described in a preface to this version, 12 years after its initial publication, re-released it in this revised form.

Enjoy!

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[Mike L]

Originally Posted by HarryT

during his centuries of slumber, however, investments are made that make him the richest and most powerful man on Earth.

This reminds me of the story about a man who was in a coma for many years. When he eventually woke up, he crawled out of his hospital bed and staggered to a payphone to call his broker.

"Your investments are doing very well," the broker told him. "Your Apple Computer shares are up to 2 million pounds; your Microsoft has reached a million and half, and ...."

"Did you say million?", the man said. "That's fantastic."

"Yes, and your British Telecom is up to 4 million pounds; your Marks & Spencers has dipped to 900,000 pounds, but should recover, ..."

"This is wonderful", the man said. "What else can you tell me?"

Just then the operator cut it. "Your three minutes are up. If you wish to continue the call, please insert another five thousand pounds."

[The Terminator]

Great post.

[neilmarr]

Thanks for another wee cracker, Harry. Years since I read this -- and I'm not sure I've ever read the revised version. Here's karma to ya. Cheers. Neil