I'm not certain enough of what "early modern" means. Are you interested in "Before around 1700, where there any books or plays with a definite setting in the future? How did they present future society, and what where their predictions?" by /u/sunagainstgold? Or something later, starting in the 1800s: 'Was there something like "futurology" or "science fiction" in ancient times or the middle ages?' by the same?

The more general FAQ section is "Imagining The Future And Futurism"; the other discussions are from before then (like ancient times) or later.

This is not to discourage discussion. More questions, data and debate are welcome.