The Mummy! A Tale of the Twenty-Second Century

The novel is set in the year 2126 and follows the story of Cheops an Egyptian mummy who is revived in the future. Cheops finds himself in a world vastly different from the one he knew in ancient Egypt. The novel explores the clash between the ancient world and futuristic society as well as the ethical and moral dilemmas that arise. In this future world England is a constitutional monarchy governed by a Parliament composed of representatives from various professions. Technological advancements such as air travel and advanced medical procedures are prevalent. Webb-Loudon depicts a highly advanced society where the boundaries of science technology and human existence are pushed to new limits. Cheops becomes a curiosity and is presented as a symbol of the past. Through his interactions with the people of the future the novel explores themes of human progress cultural change and the impact of technology on society. The Mummy! reflects the Victorian eras fascination with ancient Egypt and the burgeoning interest in science and technological advancements. It also touches on social and political issues of the time such as gender roles and the role of science in shaping society. While the novel received mixed reviews upon its publication it is recognized as an early contribution to the science fiction genre. Webb-Loudons imaginative portrayal of the future and her exploration of scientific and societal advancements make The Mummy! an intriguing work of speculative fiction.