From Nowhere: Utopian and Dystopian Visions of our - Chris J. Young

Preface
While studying under Professor Richard Bailey at Queen’s University, i developed a special interest in
utopian and dystopian literature. i was fascinated by the visions of various peoples and societies to
improve their social conditions. When i began working at the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library in
January 2010, i found that many of the early editions of the utopias and dystopias i had previously read
about were here amongst its collections. i therefore began to contemplate the possibility of staging an
exhibition on utopian and dystopian literature.
The following exhibition draws mostly from the Fisher’s collections. With the exception of Classical
works, the majority of the material on display originates in the English-speaking world, with the
occasional Continental item. Middle-Eastern, Asian, African, and South American writings as well as
many of the great twentieth-century utopias and dystopias surrounding the themes of gender, feminism,
and environmentalism are not included. There is also a strong Canadian representation of utopian and
dystopian literature, which may be unfamiliar to many readers.
While this exhibition showcases only some of the utopian and dystopian visions throughout human
history, it is hoped that it demonstrates how important the genre has been in our past, is currently in our
present, and will continue to be in our future.
i would like to thank many of my colleagues and friends at the Fisher Library, the Faculty of information,
and Massey College who have been instrumental in the staging of this exhibition. To Pearce Carefoote and
Philip Oldfield i am indebted for their rigorous editing of the catalogue, and unwavering support. i am
also grateful to Tom Reid and Graham Bradshaw for drawing my attention to a number of utopian and
dystopian writings, several of which are included in the exhibition. My thanks also go to Alan Galey and
Jon Bath for indulging my research into the topic for a Book History and Print Culture practicum and a
course assignment. For their assistance with translations from the Latin, featured in the catalogue, i would
like to thank John McCormick and Bryan Reece. importantly, i owe a big thank you to Anne Dondertman,
who has steadfastly encouraged my work at the Fisher, and the development of this exhibition. My
greatest debt of gratitude goes to my partner, Elisa Tersigni, who has provided endless encouragement,
editorial assistance, and support throughout this two-year project.
Chris J. Young
December 2012
From Nowhere: Utopian and Dystopian Visions of our Past, Present, and Future 7