Metropolis

A hundred years in the future, a great city runs on the labor of workers hidden deep underground while the privileged play in gardens far above. Thea von Harbou published this novel in 1925 alongside the screenplay for Fritz Lang’s landmark film, and the two share a striking vision of industrial modernity. Freder, the pampered son of the city’s master, descends into the machine halls, falls for the gentle prophet Maria, and confronts the human cost of the world his father built. Part science fiction, part fevered romance, it argues that no society can hold together unless the heart mediates between head and hands. Free PDF and EPUB editions are available here.