A mix of speculative fiction and social argument advocating peaceful uplift and interracial sympathy, the narrative follows a young man intent on educating southern Black communities who is carried away in an airship accident and awakens a century later in a changed southern town. Through his observations and the framed episodes—visits to libraries, public buildings, and civic organizations, interactions with figures such as Irene and Dr. Newell, and a prize essay subplot—the book examines proposals for progress, the Golden Rule as a solution to racial strife, and tensions between factions favoring oppression or assistance, while promoting education, moral persuasion, and gradual reform.