H. G. Wells
H.G. Wells was a prolific English writer known for his works in science fiction, including classics such as 'The War of the Worlds', 'The Time Machine', and 'The Invisible Man'. His writings often explored themes of social reform and the impact of scientific advancements on society.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. The Time Machine
An Invention
A Victorian-era scientist invents a machine that allows him to travel through time. He first journeys to the year 802,701 A.D., where he encounters the Eloi, a society of small, elegant, childlike adults who live in harmony but lack curiosity and drive. He later discovers the Morlocks, a nocturnal, subterranean species who prey on the Eloi. After rescuing an Eloi named Weena, the protagonist loses his time machine and must devise a plan to recover it and return to his own time, all while exploring the social and evolutionary implications of the two distinct societies.
The 221st Greatest Book of All Time -
2. War of the Worlds
This classic science fiction novel tells the story of a Martian invasion of Earth, as experienced by an unnamed protagonist and his brother. The Martians, who are technologically far superior to humans, cause widespread devastation with their heat-ray weapons and towering tripods. Despite humanity's best efforts to resist, they seem unstoppable. The novel is a commentary on British imperialism and explores themes of human survival and evolution.
The 380th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The Island of Doctor Moreau
A Possibility
A shipwrecked man finds himself on an isolated island run by a mad scientist who has been conducting disturbing experiments, transforming animals into human-like beings through vivisection. The man must navigate this horrifying new reality while trying to maintain his own humanity and sanity, in a world where the line between beast and man is blurred. The narrative is a chilling exploration of the nature of humanity, the ethics of science, and the dangers of playing God.
The 683rd Greatest Book of All Time -
4. The History of Mr. Polly
"The History of Mr. Polly" is a comedic novel that tells the story of Alfred Polly, a man dissatisfied with his life and marriage. After faking his death in a fire, he leaves his wife and shop behind to start a new life. He eventually finds peace and contentment working as an assistant to a man who runs a country inn. The book explores themes of self-discovery, the struggle against societal expectations, and the pursuit of happiness.
The 1654th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Tono Bungay
An Experiment in Autobiography
This novel is a satirical narrative that delves into the life of George Ponderevo, who is swept into the world of late Victorian commerce and invention through his uncle's creation of a questionable medicine, Tono-Bungay. The story, narrated by George himself, explores themes of ambition, social climbing, and the hollow nature of financial success. As George rises to wealth through the marketing of this essentially worthless tonic, the novel critiques the capitalist society that enables such dubious enterprises to flourish. Through its exploration of personal and societal moral dilemmas, the narrative presents a vivid depiction of the era's social stratifications and the illusions of grandeur that often accompany the pursuit of wealth.
The 2647th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. The Invisible Man
The book is a gripping science fiction tale about a scientist who discovers a way to make himself invisible. However, the inability to reverse the process leads him into madness and terror. The narrative explores themes of alienation, social responsibility, and the moral implications of scientific advancement. The invisible man's struggle with his condition and society's reaction to his invisibility serve as a critique of humanity's fear and misunderstanding of the unknown.
The 4500th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. The Wonderful Visit
A Fairy Tale of the Nineteenth Century
In this novel, an angel mistakenly lands in a small English village, causing a stir among the local residents with its otherworldly presence and behavior. The angel, characterized by its ethereal beauty and innocence, challenges the villagers' conventional beliefs and prejudices, leading to a series of misunderstandings and conflicts. As the angel interacts with the townspeople, it becomes a catalyst for revealing the hypocrisies and narrow-mindedness of human society. The story explores themes of otherness, the clash between the mundane and the extraordinary, and the limitations of human perception.
The 4971st Greatest Book of All Time -
8. The Island Of Dr. Moreau
A Possibility
The novel follows Edward Prendick, a shipwreck survivor who finds himself on a mysterious island inhabited by Dr. Moreau, a scientist conducting grotesque experiments to transform animals into human-like creatures. As Prendick uncovers the horrifying nature of Moreau's work, he grapples with ethical questions about the boundaries of scientific exploration and the essence of humanity. The island becomes a microcosm of chaos and moral ambiguity, ultimately leading to a dramatic confrontation between nature and science. Through this unsettling narrative, the story explores themes of identity, cruelty, and the consequences of playing god.
The 5054th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. Complete Short Stories
This collection brings together a diverse array of imaginative and thought-provoking tales that explore themes of science, society, and human nature. Through a blend of speculative fiction and social commentary, the stories delve into the consequences of technological advancements, the complexities of human relationships, and the mysteries of the unknown. With a keen eye for detail and a flair for the fantastical, the narratives often challenge the reader to consider the ethical and philosophical implications of progress and innovation. Each story offers a unique glimpse into the author's visionary world, capturing the essence of curiosity and the spirit of exploration.
The 6172nd Greatest Book of All Time -
10. The Country Of The Blind
In this story, a mountaineer named Nunez discovers a secluded valley in the Andes where everyone is blind. Initially, he believes he can dominate the villagers with his sight, but he soon realizes that their society has adapted perfectly to their condition, rendering his vision irrelevant. As Nunez attempts to assert his superiority, he faces resistance and ultimately learns that his sight is considered a defect in their world. The narrative explores themes of perception, adaptation, and the relativity of normalcy, as Nunez grapples with the idea that his abilities may not be as advantageous as he once thought.
The 6172nd Greatest Book of All Time -
11. The Plattner Story And Others
The book is a collection of intriguing short stories that delve into the realms of the supernatural, the bizarre, and the speculative. Each tale explores different facets of human experience and imagination, often blurring the lines between reality and the fantastical. Themes such as time travel, otherworldly encounters, and the mysteries of the human mind are prevalent throughout the stories, showcasing the author's ability to weave thought-provoking narratives that challenge the reader's perception of the world. The collection is a testament to the author's mastery in crafting compelling and imaginative tales that continue to captivate audiences.
The 6172nd Greatest Book of All Time -
12. The Stolen Bacillus And Other Incidents
The book is a collection of intriguing short stories that explore themes of science, society, and human nature through a blend of humor and irony. Each story presents a unique scenario, often involving scientific experiments or discoveries that lead to unexpected and thought-provoking outcomes. The narratives delve into the consequences of human curiosity and ambition, highlighting the unpredictability of technological advancements and the quirks of human behavior. Through these tales, the author offers a satirical yet insightful commentary on the intersection of science and everyday life.
The 6172nd Greatest Book of All Time -
13. Thirty Strange Stories
The collection presents a series of intriguing and imaginative tales that explore the boundaries of reality and the supernatural. Each story delves into themes of science, morality, and the unknown, often featuring unexpected twists and thought-provoking conclusions. The narratives range from eerie encounters and mysterious phenomena to speculative scenarios that challenge the reader's perception of the world. Through vivid storytelling and rich character development, the collection captivates the audience with its blend of suspense, curiosity, and philosophical reflection.
The 6172nd Greatest Book of All Time -
14. Twelve Stories And A Dream
This collection of tales weaves together a variety of imaginative and speculative narratives, exploring themes of science, fantasy, and human nature. Each story delves into different scenarios, from the whimsical to the eerie, often highlighting the unexpected consequences of human actions and the mysteries of the unknown. Through vivid storytelling and keen insight, the collection captures the reader's imagination, offering a glimpse into the possibilities and perils of both the real and the fantastical worlds.
The 6172nd Greatest Book of All Time -
15. The Valley Of Spiders
In this gripping tale, a group of horsemen traverses a desolate valley, only to encounter a terrifying and relentless swarm of giant spiders. As the men struggle to escape the arachnid threat, the story explores themes of survival and the unpredictable forces of nature. The tension escalates as the spiders' web-like threads ensnare the landscape, creating an atmosphere of impending doom and highlighting the fragility of human endeavors against the vast and indifferent natural world.
The 6172nd Greatest Book of All Time -
16. The First Men In The Moon
"The First Men In The Moon" is a science fiction novel that follows two adventurers, a businessman and a scientist, who build a spaceship and travel to the moon. Once there, they encounter a strange civilization of insect-like creatures called Selenites and become embroiled in a dangerous and thrilling adventure as they try to survive and find a way back to Earth. The story explores themes of exploration, colonialism, and the limits of human knowledge, all within Wells' imaginative and thought-provoking narrative.
The 11331st Greatest Book of All Time -
17. Best Science Fiction Stories of H. G. Wells
The Father of Science Fiction's Greatest Works
This book is a collection of the best science fiction stories by a renowned British author, known for his pioneering work in the genre. The anthology contains a variety of tales that explore themes such as time travel, alien invasion, evolution, and dystopian futures. The author's vivid imagination, combined with his scientific knowledge, results in stories that are both fantastical and eerily plausible, solidifying his status as a master of science fiction.
The 12305th Greatest Book of All Time -
18. The Outline Of History
Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind
This book provides a sweeping narrative of world history, tracing the development of human civilization from prehistoric times to the early 20th century. It explores the rise and fall of empires, the evolution of societies, and the progress of scientific and cultural achievements. The work emphasizes the interconnectedness of human events and the cumulative nature of knowledge and progress, offering a broad perspective on the forces that have shaped the world. Through its comprehensive scope, the book aims to give readers a deeper understanding of the past and its influence on the present and future.
The 12495th Greatest Book of All Time -
19. Wyspa Doktora Moreau
Przerażająca opowieść o eksperymentach na żywych istotach
The novel follows the harrowing journey of Edward Prendick, who finds himself stranded on a mysterious island inhabited by grotesque, human-animal hybrids created by the enigmatic Dr. Moreau. As Prendick uncovers the dark secrets behind Moreau's experiments in vivisection and the moral implications of playing God, he grapples with the blurred lines between humanity and monstrosity. The story explores themes of ethics, identity, and the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition, ultimately questioning the nature of civilization and the essence of being human.