Book of the Future

The Usborne Book of the Future, first published in 1979, is a fondly-remembered book from a time when people dreamed of the future as a place filled with wonder and amazing new technology. It explores all kinds of robots, cities of the future, and the future of travel, and is now re-issued with a foreword by renowned BBC Futurologist Tom Cheesewright. Copies of the original printing of the book fetch three figures on auction sites, and people who remember it from their childhood can find it again at normal bookshop prices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd

First published in 1979, the Usborne Book of the Future is a cherished and nostalgic treasure from a bygone era when people envisioned the future as a realm brimming with wonder and extraordinary technological advancements. After more than four decades of science fiction predominantly focused on dystopian and apocalyptic narratives, it is high time to remind readers of all ages that, in reality, the Future remains a place that holds immense hope and exhilaration.

The book is structured into three distinct sections. The first delves into a wide array of robots, their roles, and the sources of power that will enable them to operate across land, sea, and space. The second section explores the future of cities, envisioning how people will live, the innovative buildings they will construct, the transformative impact of computers on the world, and the diverse recreational activities they will engage in. The final section delves into the realm of travel, encompassing a range of transportation modes from Earth-based planes, trains, and cars to space shuttles and expeditions aimed at colonizing other planets.

This re-issued edition of the book retains the original text and breathtaking artwork, while also featuring a foreword by renowned BBC Futurologist Tom Cheesewright, who was deeply inspired by the original edition. From predicting the internet to envisioning asteroid mines, 3D printers, and robot helpers, this book remarkably foreshadowed life in the 21st century.

Due to its long-out-of-print status, copies of the original printing of this book fetch substantial prices on auction sites. However, for those who have cherished this book from their childhood and wish to share it with the next generation, it is now available once again at affordable bookshop prices.

Weight: 728g
Dimension: 282 x 224 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803709543