"The Coming Race" is a novel written by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, first published in 1871. It is a work of science fiction and utopian fiction that explores themes of social organization, technology, and the potential evolution of humanity. The story is narrated by an unnamed protagonist who discovers a subterranean civilization known as the Vril-ya, who live beneath the Earth's surface. The Vril-ya possess advanced technology and psychic abilities derived from a powerful energy source called "Vril." As the protagonist learns more about this underground society, he becomes entangled in their affairs and must navigate the complexities of their culture and politics. "The Coming Race" is notable for popularizing the concept of "Vril," a term that later became associated with various occult and pseudoscientific beliefs. The novel also explores themes of power, utopianism, and the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement. While not as well-known as some of Bulwer-Lytton's other works, such as "The Last Days of Pompeii," "The Coming Race" remains influential in the science fiction genre and has inspired subsequent writers and thinkers interested in speculative fiction and alternative societies.