Brave New World

Author: Aldous Huxley

Genre: Dystopian fiction

Publication Date: 1932

Brave New World: Literary Guide

Overview

Written in 1931, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World is widely recognized as one of the best examples of dystopian social science fiction. Huxley came from a privileged background, and following an elite education, he was keen to pursue medicine as a career, but could not due to an eye ailment. Huxley then pursued a career in literature and is most widely known for writing Brave New World.

Although not a long novel, the book features a thorough, descriptive account of a dystopian, non-egalitarian world led by a group of ten men; it depicts a world where humans are manufactured and every aspect of their lives is deeply monitored. Humans are “trained” to adhere to the oppressive rules and norms devised by the leaders.

Brave New World’s portrayal of 1930s London is remarkably accurate and engaging. Despite being set in the fictional year AF 632 (“AF” standing for After Ford), the novel remains deeply relevant to the contemporary technology-driven world. Brave New World takes readers through a society governed and monopolized by dictatorship and technology.

The novel also examines aspects such as social privilege, modernism, and the race for technological advancement—questions that defined the twentieth century.

Brave New World Biography

Brave New World Background

Brave New World Characters

Brave New World Summary and Analysis

Brave New World Themes

Brave New World Quotes

Brave New World Discussion Questions