This utopian novel critiques the unfettered capitalism and moral decay of the Gilded Age in America. The book follows a group of Americans at a summer resort as they interact with Mr. Homos, a visitor from the utopian island state of Altruria. Through their conversations, it becomes clear that Altruria is vastly superior in every aspect of life, exposing the shortcomings of American society. Howells weaves together the history of utopian literature, drawing upon renowned authors like Plato, Bacon, and Morris, to construct a captivating and insightful critique of America's capitalist society.