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Best Dystopian Books
This lens is about dystopian books, which are among my favorite types of books. Most people automatically think of dystopia as a science fiction sub-genre, and while dystopian science fiction is common, not all stories about dystopian societies (or screwed up uptoias) are from the sci-fi genre.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954)
#12 Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954)This novel isn't the 12th best on the list (it would be rated much higher in my opinion) but it's at number twelve because of the on going argument whether this is truly a dystopian novel or not. The definition of dystopia isn't necessarily clear, though the general definition is that it is a society in which misery and negative conditions prevail (or a seeming utopia gained at horrifying costs.)
As far as a dysfunctional society, the island with its stranded little boys is it, and once the conch shell is no longer seen as authority, everything breaks apart. If anyone wants to argue that an anarchy could work, this book would be an immediate argument against it.
This is an incredible psychological work, a book that is still taught as a mainstay of both psychology and sociology in high schools and college even today. In the book they tried to build a society without the enforcement of laws, and without a threat that was higher than an individual person, it fell apart.
I'd say anytime a guy gets hit by a big boulder because he's annoying, your society definitely qualifies as dysfunctional enough to count as a dystopia.
Want a Great Read? Buy Lord of the Flies Right Here!
Lord of the Flies is one of the all time classic novels.
Lord of the Flies (Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century)
"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding is a classic that explores the deep animal psychology within each and every human from a psychological and sociological stance. When I was in high school, this was the only book every person in class actually read.
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 10/07/2008)
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985)
#11 The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985)This story comes from the first person Offred. Offred is a maid in a time when fertile women are forced to be breeding machines to keep the human population going. This takes place because the world is a post-nuclear world where many women can't have children.
This is a very theocratic society, and this book tends to be very pro-feminist and anti-religious. In this world the country has been taken over by "Christian" fundamentalists who have done away with the Constitution and founded a theocratic state.
This Republic of Gilead (as it is called) is ruled through fundamentalism and rigid enforcement of social roles vaguely resembling Dominionism.
Most citizens, and all women, have been stripped of their freedoms. While this makes it popular among feminits and colleges, it also causes it to be protested by religious or conservative affiliations, especially at the high school level.
This is a great dystopian tale that is frightening because the logic of how the society became the way it is happens to be very believable.
Sound Interesting? Buy a Copy Right Here!
This novel is a favorite among many readers.
The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel
A favorite among academics, science fiction fans, and feminists alike, this dystopian novel is frightening because of how logical and realistic the society of this post-nuclear world is.
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 10/07/2008)
Neuromancer by William Gibson (1984)
One of the most influential science fiction books in modern history
#10 Neuromancer by William Gibson (1984)Most of William Gibson's novels revolve around a dystopian future society, but Neuromancer may be the best of them all.
This novel won the sci-fi "triple crown" for writers by winning the Nebula, Hugo, and Philip K. Dick awards.
In the seedy underground of a Japanese city, a computer hacker is hired to work on the ultimate hack.
In a world flushed with AI, virtual reality, genetic engineering, and corporations overpowering nations, the adventure follows.
Gibson beat many modern sci-fi writers to the punch, and this dystopian novel is one of the most influential in modern times. In fact, here is a list of themes that Gibson beat everyone to:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Virtual Reality
Genetic Engineering
Multi-national corporations overpowering the traditional nation-state
Gibson tackled these topics long before they became mainstream in popular culture. The concept of "cyberspace" makes its first appearance, with Gibson describing the word to describe "a consensual hallucination experienced daily by billions."
Neuromancer: One of the Most Influential Books in Modern Science Fiction
A brilliant modern dystopia, and maybe William Gibson's best novel
Neuromancer
The first in a trilogy, this William Gibson novel was brilliant and helped re-define the science fiction genre, while accurately predicting future technologies, such as our current Internet.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 10/07/2008)
Iron Heel by Jack London (1908)
Turn of the century dystopian literature
#9 Iron Heel by Jack London (1908)Iron Heel is an excellent dystopian novel about the rise of a tyrannical corporate oligarchy in the United States. This book doesn't pay attention to technology the way most future dystopian science fiction novels do now.
This work stressed changes in society and politics, with the oligarchy formed by robber barons whom bankrupt all the middle class and seize power before enforcing a "caste system" of workers. This plot shows Jack London's socialist views at their apex, and this story was a far travel from his normal wilderness themed stories.
This was a fantastic dystopian novel that was far ahead of its time.
The Iron Heel: Jack London's Greatest Dystopian Work
The Iron Heel tends to fly under the radar, but it was a dystopian prediction by Jack London
The Iron Heel (Penguin Classics)
Overlooked, but still in print 100 years later. A fantastic novel, and one worthy of reading.
Amazon Price: $11.20 (as of 10/07/2008)
The Running Man by Richard Bachman (1982)
#8 The Running Man by Richard Bachman (1982)Written by Stephen King under the penname of Richard Bachman, "The Running Man" is a fantastic dystopian novel about a frightening future where ratings and entertainment takes form in a man hunt, and where even the "winners" are losers. This novel is far superior to the movie, and in my opinion is one of the best novels written by Stephen King. "The Long Walk" is also an honorable mention.
The Running Man by Richard Bachman (Stephen King)
An amazing science fiction work that deserves bigger recognition
The Running Man
The Running Man was written under the penname Richard Bachman, but Stephen King was the actual author of this modern science fiction dystopian classic.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 10/07/2008)
Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks (2006)
#7 Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks (2006)I've probably read over 200 books the last two years, and among many good novels, "Armageddon's Children" has been one of my favorites. This is one of the best novels written by Terry Brooks, and takes place in a post apocalyptic world around 2100, following (among others) a lone remaining knight trying desperately to fight off the demon onslaught and a group of street gang kids who roam the remains of Seattle trying to survive. The fantasy world of Shannara was supposedly spawned from the post apocalyptic wastes of Earth, and this series bridges the gap between the two.
Love Terry Brooks? Buy This Fantastic Book Right Here!
The first book in a great new series.
Armageddon's Children (The Genesis of Shannara, Book 1)
This is Terry Brooks at his absolute best describing an incredible post apocalyptic world in this stunning and page turning dystopian novel.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 10/07/2008)
The Chrysalids by John Wyndham (1955)
This dystopian novel was released under the title "The Re-birth" in the United States
#6 The Chrysalids by John Wyndham (1955)This dystopian novel is another example of a post-nuclear world. This time the dystopia comes from a "need" for purity. As humans are being born with increasing levels of mutations and deformities, the state decides to execute anyone who isn't "perfect," meaning even one extra toe can be a death sentence. This attempt at forcing perfection in a post apocalyptic world is disturbing and effective, and has spawned many imitators.
You Can Buy This All Time Great Novel Right Here
Also known as "The Re-Birth" in the United States
The Chrysalids
The world has ended, but ashes still remain. If you're even the slightest bit imperfect, you had better beware...
Amazon Price: (as of 10/07/2008)
The Children of Men by PD James (1992)
#5 The Children of Men by PD James (1992)Most people will know about the film with Richard Gere and Julianne Moore. The movie was very good, but is far different from the book. In this world, for reasons unknown, all men's sperm count plummeted to zero, and without reason or explanation, mankind now faces its own extinction. The fear mongering during this time has allowed governments extraordinary powers to keep the peace, and when a woman becomes pregnant, the implications are enormous.
Want to compare the book to the movie? Buy a copy of both here!
Both were excellent, I think I like the novel slightly more.
The Children of Men
Children of Men-the fantastic book that has fans world wide about a frightening future where extinction may not be preventable.
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 10/07/2008)
Children of Men (Widescreen Edition)
The exceptional movie based on the novel by PD James.
Amazon Price: $12.98 (as of 10/07/2008)
The Making of "The Children of Men"
Children of Men - Making Of
The making of the movie "Children of Men". Mainly focuses on the long takes and visual style of the film.
Runtime: 7:34
90667 views
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The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (1895)
Dystopian Science Fiction at it's best: Dystopian Literature
#4 The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (1895)"The Time Machine" is one of the best science fiction novels to ever be written. This novel is the story of "The Time Traveler" who builds a machine that allows him to travel to the far distant future. While this might not seem dystopian at first glance, but a seemingly gentle and happy society is plagued by predators who harvest people for food - if that doesn't qualify as a crappy dystopian society, I don't know what does. The hero tells his story to a man of his time, grabs weapons, and goes back into the future never to return. This novel is where the term "time machine" even came from.
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells - Your Library Is Incomplete Without a Copy!
The Time Machine (Signet Classics)
Still a fast paced read, and perhaps the best science fiction novel/novella ever written.
Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 10/07/2008)
The Time Machine
The Original 1960 movie version of "The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 10/07/2008)
The Time Machine
The modern movie version of "The Time Machine," which is far different from the H.G. Wells novel, but very entertaining nonetheless.
Amazon Price: $10.49 (as of 10/07/2008)
Teaser Trailer for "The Time Machine"
The Time Machine (2002) Teaser Trailer
The Time Machine (2002) Teaser Trailer
Runtime: 1:13
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1984 by George Orwell (1949)
Big Brother Dystopia
#3 1984 by George Orwell (1949)This isn't the best written novel, but it is one of the big three of the dystopian science fiction novels. This could very well be the most recognizable of the big three, as "1984" is synonymous with tyrannical governments, fascism, and dystopian science fiction. Even the phrases "1984" and "Big Brother" are now part of the common culture. Orwell's detailed novel shows how a government can manipulate the people by manipulating the truth and manipulating the news. This book is the source for arguing against a far right government getting unfettered power.
1984 - The Very Title Is Synonymous with Dystopia
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)
The best cultural dystopia ever written - and eeriely prophetic
#2 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)Guy Montag begins this classic novel as a fireman: meaning he is a man society calls on to burn all books, which are outlawed. Unlike "1984" or "Brave New World," "451" doesn't speak politically against the left or the right politically, but speaks against the dumbing down of society, specifically on how Hollywood pop culture slush and TV entertainment can create an entire nation of people who are not only incapable of fighting for their rights, but who don't even realize the importance of doing so. This is a brilliant novel that shows Guy going from soldier of the state to an independent free thinker who must go on the run to survive.
Dystopia Beacuse of Book Burning - 451 Is An Amazing Dystopia
Fahrenheit 451
This classic novel also includes a 20 page interview with Ray Bradbury about this work and writing in general. Fantastic value!
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 10/07/2008)
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (1932)
Maybe the greatest piece of dystopian literature ever
#1 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (1932)While this dystopian masterpiece and "Fahrenheit 451" could be interchangeable as the top two, "Brave New World" gets the nod because the writing itself is the best. This novel is incredible, showing a society where left leaning thinking and self hedonism is taken so far to the extreme that one person's utopia turns out to be an appalling place where the irony of a peaceful existence has caused society to lose all concept of art, honor, religious beliefs, or anything that often defines culture. The "utopia" has people who have no sympathy, no empathy, and this vision of a future is as chilling as any other on this list.
Is It A Brave New World? Judge for Yourself...
Brave New World and Brave New World Revisited
If you claim to be a big science fiction fan, you had better have this book on your shelf...
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 10/07/2008)
A Great Clip of Aldous Huxley on Dystopia
Huxley talking about "Brave New World" and "1984"
Aldous Huxley talking about his "Brave New World" and Orwell's "1984" (including a message to him). Happiness as a weapon used by dictators instead of repression. Portuguese written translation.
Runtime: 1:29
50115 views
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Vote Your Favorite Dystopias Up or Down - Or Add Your Own!
Vote for the ones you like, or if I'm missing one then feel free to add it on!
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury's classic, frighte more...0 points
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
A beautifully written novel about a terrifying vis more...0 points
1984 (Signet Classics) by George Orwell
"Outside, even through the shut window pane, more...0 points
The year is 1984; the scene is London, largest population center of Airstrip One.
Airstrip One is part of the vast political entity Oceania, which is eternally at war with one of two other vast....
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The Time Machine (Signet Classics) by H.G. Wells
The story that launched Wells's successful career- more...0 points
The Children of Men by P.D. James
Told with P. D. James's trademark suspense, insigh more...0 points
The Chrysalids by John Wyndham
A hard to find, but influential, classic.0 points
Armageddon's Children (The Genesis of Shannara, Book 1) by Terry Brooks
If you have never read anything by beloved fantasy more...0 points
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The Running Man by Stephen King
Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman) crafted more...0 points
The Iron Heel (Penguin Classics) by Jack London
Part science fiction, part dystopian fantasy, part more...0 points
Neuromancer by William Gibson
Here is the novel that started it all, launching t more...0 points
Case was the hottest computer cowboy cruising the information superhighway--jacking his consciousness into cyberspace, soaring through tactile lattices of data and logic, rustling enc...
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The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel by Margaret Atwood
In the world of the near future, who will control more...0 points
Lord of the Flies (Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century) by William Golding
William Golding's classic tale about a group of En more...0 points
The Long Walk by Stephen King
Phenomenal bestselling horror. On the first day of more...0 points
Island (Perennial Classics) by Aldous Huxley
In "Island," his last novel, Huxley tran more...0 points
Which of the Giant 3 Is Best?
Dystopian Trinity | 3 Big Dystopia Sci-Fi Novels | Dystopian Classics
There are three dystopian novels that are generally considered the "Trinity," so to speak, of dystopian science fiction. So let's see which one everyone likes!
A Large List of Dystopian Novels
Feminist dystopias | modern dystopias | false utopias
This list of dystopian novels includes everything from feminist dystopia, to modern dystopia, corporate dystopia, false uptopias, post apocalyptic worlds, and everything in between.
Enjoy the read!
LIST OF DYSTOPIAN NOVELS:
1984 by George Orwell
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
When the Sleeper Wakes by H.G. Wells
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
Island by Aldous Huxley
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder by James DeMille
The Giver by Lois Lowry
We by Yevgeny Zamyatin
The Machine Stops by E.M. Forster
Anthem by Ayn Rand
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis
The Shape of Things to Come H.G. Wells
This Perfect Day by Ira Levin
After by Francine Prose
That Hideous Strength C.S. Lewis
Fast Eddie, King of the Bees by Robert Arellano
Neuromancer by William Gibson
The Running Man by Stephen King as Richard Bachman
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
324: A Novel by Thomas Disch
Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank
Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.
Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks
The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham
Utopia X by Scott Wilson
The Goodness Gene by Sonia Levitin
The Postman by David Brin
Naked Lunch William S. Burroughs
The Sheep Look Up by John Brunner
The World Inside by Robert Silverberg
Time Out of Joint Philip K. Dick
Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner
Kallocain by Karin Boye
A Wrinkle in Time Madeleine L'Engle
Dystopia: Collected Stories by Richard Christian Matheson
In the Country of Last Things by Paul Astuer
Iron Heel by Jack London
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Bend Sinister by Vladimir Nabokov.
The Children of Men by P.D James
A World Out of Time Larry Niven
The Long Walk by Stephen King as Richard Bachman
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
Count Zero by William Gibson
The Chrysalids by John Wyndham
The Domination by S.M. Stirling
Fatherland by Robert Harris
Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry
Jennifer Government by Max Barry
Utopia X by Scott Wilson
Well Readers, You Make the Call...
Everyone keeps arguing over whether "Lord of the Flies" is dystopian or not,
Is "Lord of the Flies" a dystopian novel?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes! It's an independent screwed up society that breaks apart. What more do you want?
Monteath says:
Lord of the Flies is a dystopian novel because the island is so isolated that you do have a full society that is set up right before it crumbles. This is a great study in human nature, and shows the need of order and ability to enforce social norms, else dystopia is the only end result.
Posted June 12, 2008
No! It's a great book, but that's not a society and it's not dystopian because there's no government.
alison says:
no i think its an awful book, maybe thats because my english teacher ruined the enjoyment of it.
Posted September 01, 2008
Great Dystopian T-Shirts
Dystopian T-Shirts | Dystopia T Shirts | Dystopia Souveneirs
Soylent Green Light T-Shirt
Soylent Green is one of the great dystopian science fiction movies of all time.
Price: 15.99
I Watch You Black T-Shirt
For those of you who want to make a political statement, as well.
Price: 20.99
BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU Women's Light T-Shirt
Everyone knows about Big Brother...so remind them that "they" are watching you.
Price: 26.99
451 Degrees Fahrenheit Women's Tank Top
The temperatre at which paper spontaneously combusts.
Price: 17.99
V for Vendetta Dystopia
Dystopian Movie | Dystopian Story | Dystopian Graphic Novel
V for Vendetta is a great example of a dystopian story. This was a graphic novel that ended up with a movie based on the story. One of the key elements in this type of revolutionary dystopia is the irony of the lawbreaker, or the "revolutionary" (almost always labeled by the government in power as a terrorist) being a hero fighting tyranny.The dystopia in "V for Vendetta" is one of the most common, in this case a theocracy that isn't about God but is about power. This religion based government is extremely controlling, extremely brutal, and is very similar to the "Big Brother" dystopia that Orwell feared in 1984.
V for Vendetta: See the Movie & Read the Graphic Novel!
Both follow a classic dystopia formula perfectly
V for Vendetta
The classic dystopian graphic novel that became one of the best movies to come out of Hollywood in years.
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 10/07/2008)
V for Vendetta (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Special DVD of the movie that took the country by storm and kept people talking.
Amazon Price: $20.99 (as of 10/07/2008)
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superpanda
Nice lens. I didn't even know dystopia was a word, much less a genre of books, hehe. I've read about half the books on the list, and they all scared me, haha :P Not to say I didn't like them, but they were freaky Posted March 11, 2008 |
Dystopia from the World Wide Web
Corporate Dystopia | Feminist Dystopia | Religious Dystopia | Liberal Dystopia
What dystopian topics is the web buzzing about?
- Film: ZERO: An Investigation into 9/11
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- 9/11 Fact Sheet
- A comprehensive list of questions and answers <!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
- Beneath The Massacre - Dystopia - [2008]
- Genre: Death Metal 1. Condemned 2. Reign of Terror 3. Our Common Grave 4. Harvest of Hate 5. The Wasteland 6. Bitter 7. No Future 8. Lithium Overdose 9. Tharsis 10. Never More 11. Procreating the Infection.
- Stolen!
- . . . from [info] q_immortal * Grab the nearest book. * Open the book to page 56. * Find the fifth sentence. * Post the text of the next two to five sentences in your journal along with these instructions. ...