We humbly refer you to David Szondy's marvelous Tales of Future Past, a fascinating collection of classic science fiction illustrations and articles from popular American books and magazines. It's a veritable space mountain of vintage utopian visions.
Most of the scenarios here aren't all that bizarre: flying cars, space travel, megacities, gee-whiz gadgets. What's compelling is the sense of wonder and progress that dates much of this material to post–World War II America.
The military-industrial complex is well represented by the Gyro Electric Destroyer. In terms of getting around, your great-grandfather's Model T has nothing on the Dyno-Wheel. And millions of bored housewives of the future will take solace in the Autoboudoir.
What will the city of New York look like in 1975? Stretching even further into the future, what will life be like in the year 2000 AD? Hint -- all shopping will be done by videophone!
Many hypothetical future scenarios (most of them pretty grim) were generated during the Cold War. In fact, the American scientist Vannevar Bush predicted that society would one day be connected by a vast information grid known as "Memex." As if.
For further reading, we suggest you check out Bruce Franklin's survey of early science fiction classics. Dr. Elisa Spark of Clemson University also hosts a helpful index of futuristic scenarios.
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