Metropolis

This city of the future encompasses two worlds: that of the hedonistic ruling class and that of a segregated subculture, toilers in a mechanized underworld who labor to provide the rich with their pleasures. When a charismatic leader arises, she seeks a savior to unite the disparate social orders. ""Between the brain that plans and the hands that build,"" she declares, ""there must be a mediator-the heart."" Thea von Harbou, creator of the screenplay for Fritz Lang`s iconic 1927 film, wrote this novel to expand upon the movie`s ideas and concepts. Vivid in description, rich in characterization and symbolism, the story draws upon ancient myths to form a compelling vision of the future. Noted science-fiction authority Forrest J. Ackerman hailed the book as ""a work of genius,"" and a century after its initial publication Metropolis continues to captivate readers.