The Collected Works (eBook)

In the compendium 'The Collected Works' of H. G. Wells, readers are invited to traverse the visionary landscape of a forefather of science fiction. Wells's prose is characterized by its imaginative potency and prescient insights, articulated through a fusion of speculative narrative and poignant social critique. This collection extends beyond the confines of genre, capturing the breadth of Wells's intellect across essays, articles, and an impressive range of novels and short stories. Notable works like 'The Time Machine' and 'The War of the Worlds' sit alongside his penetrating historical commentaries and intimate examinations of human nature, exemplified by 'The History of Mr Polly' and 'Love and Mr. Lewisham', creating a literary mosaic quintessential to understanding the early 20th-century zeitgeist. The anthology also features perspectives on Wells by contemporaries such as J. D. Beresford and G. K. Chesterton, providing a richer literary context.

H. G. Wells's own biography sheds light on the thematic preoccupations found within his works. His background as a son of domestic servants led to an early life of hardship, fostering a keen awareness of socio-economic issues that resonated throughout his writing career. His academic pursuits in biology under Thomas Henry Huxley influenced Wells's scientific imagination, while his political engagement is evident in his fervent advocacy for progressive ideologies. These personal narratives of struggle, scientific curiosity, and political conviction intertwine within his creation of indelible worlds, crafting a narrative tapestry only Wells could weave.

'The Collected Works' of H. G. Wells is an indispensable treasure for both aficionados of the science fiction genre and those seeking a comprehensive view of a literary figure whose ideas have shaped modern thought. It offers a plunge into the wellsprings of prophetic imagination, engrossed in the struggles and aspirations of humanity. As such, it stands as an essential volume for scholars and readers alike, beckoning us to consider the wellsprings of Wells's imagination that continue to ripple through the fabric of literature and beyond.