Edward Bellamy (1850-1898) was born in Chicopee, Massachusetts, and also died there at the young age of 48 due to his lifelong illness of tuberculosis. Bellamy spent a short time in Europe after his studies before returning to the United States to enter a career in journalism, after an inItial brief foray in law. In 1878 Bellamy turned his attention to a full-time writing career in order to lessen demands upon his weakening health. In later life, Bellamy actively engaged in political movements up until the time of his death.