12+ H G Wells Timeless Classics To Inspire Writers

Herbert George Wells, commonly referred to as H.G. Wells, was a renowned English author, journalist, sociologist, and historian, best known for his science fiction novels. Born on September 21, 1866, in Bromley, Kent, England, Wells' writing career spanned over five decades, during which he penned more than 150 books, including novels, short stories, and non-fiction works. His contributions to the science fiction genre have been immense, and his works continue to inspire writers to this day. In this article, we will explore 12+ timeless classics by H.G. Wells that have had a significant impact on the literary world and continue to influence writers.

Introduction to H.G. Wells’ Timeless Classics

H.G. Wells’ writing style was characterized by his ability to blend science fiction with social commentary, making his works not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. His novels often explored the consequences of scientific and technological advancements on society, providing a unique perspective on the human condition. Wells’ influence on the science fiction genre can be seen in the works of many authors who followed in his footsteps, including Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Ray Bradbury. In this section, we will delve into some of Wells’ most notable works, examining their themes, plotlines, and impact on the literary world.

The Time Machine (1895)

Published in 1895, The Time Machine is one of Wells’ most famous novels, and it is considered a classic in the science fiction genre. The story follows a time traveler who journeys to the year 802,701 and discovers a future world vastly different from his own. The novel explores themes of social class, technological advancement, and the potential consequences of human innovation. The Time Machine has been widely praised for its imaginative and thought-provoking storyline, and it continues to inspire writers to explore the possibilities of time travel and alternate realities.

The War of the Worlds (1898)

The War of the Worlds is another iconic novel by H.G. Wells, published in 1898. The story tells the tale of a Martian invasion of Earth, exploring themes of imperialism, survival, and the human condition. The novel’s blend of science fiction and social commentary has made it a timeless classic, and its influence can be seen in many subsequent works of science fiction, including films, television shows, and literature. The War of the Worlds has been praised for its vivid descriptions of the Martian invasion and its thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of technological advancement.

The Invisible Man (1897)

Published in 1897, The Invisible Man is a science fiction novel that tells the story of a scientist who discovers a way to make himself invisible, but soon finds that his new power is more of a curse than a blessing. The novel explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of scientific hubris. The Invisible Man has been praised for its thought-provoking storyline and its exploration of the human condition, and it continues to inspire writers to explore the possibilities of scientific innovation and its potential consequences.

The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896)

The Island of Doctor Moreau is a science fiction novel published in 1896, which tells the story of a shipwrecked sailor who finds himself on a mysterious island where a scientist is conducting twisted experiments on animals. The novel explores themes of ethics, morality, and the consequences of scientific experimentation. The Island of Doctor Moreau has been praised for its vivid descriptions of the island and its inhabitants, and its thought-provoking exploration of the boundaries between humans and animals.

The Food of the Gods and How It Came to Earth (1904)

Published in 1904, The Food of the Gods and How It Came to Earth is a science fiction novel that tells the story of a group of scientists who discover a way to accelerate the growth of living organisms, leading to a series of unexpected consequences. The novel explores themes of scientific innovation, morality, and the potential consequences of human actions. The Food of the Gods and How It Came to Earth has been praised for its thought-provoking storyline and its exploration of the human condition, and it continues to inspire writers to explore the possibilities of scientific innovation and its potential consequences.

Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul (1905)

Published in 1905, Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul is a novel that tells the story of a working-class man who inherits a large sum of money and must navigate the complexities of the upper class. The novel explores themes of social class, identity, and the human condition. Kipps has been praised for its vivid descriptions of life in the early 20th century and its thought-provoking exploration of the social class system.

A Modern Utopia (1905)

Published in 1905, A Modern Utopia is a utopian novel that explores the possibilities of a perfectly organized society. The novel is presented as a series of lectures, in which the author outlines his vision for a utopian world. A Modern Utopia has been praised for its thought-provoking exploration of the possibilities of human society and its potential for improvement.

In the Days of the Comet (1906)

Published in 1906, In the Days of the Comet is a science fiction novel that tells the story of a comet that passes close to Earth, leading to a series of unexpected consequences. The novel explores themes of scientific innovation, morality, and the potential consequences of human actions. In the Days of the Comet has been praised for its thought-provoking storyline and its exploration of the human condition, and it continues to inspire writers to explore the possibilities of scientific innovation and its potential consequences.

The War in the Air (1908)

Published in 1908, The War in the Air is a science fiction novel that tells the story of a future war fought between nations using airships and other advanced technologies. The novel explores themes of imperialism, nationalism, and the potential consequences of technological advancement. The War in the Air has been praised for its vivid descriptions of the war and its thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of human innovation.

Ann Veronica (1909)

Published in 1909, Ann Veronica is a novel that tells the story of a young woman who becomes involved in the women’s suffrage movement in England. The novel explores themes of feminism, identity, and the human condition. Ann Veronica has been praised for its vivid descriptions of life in the early 20th century and its thought-provoking exploration of the social and political issues of the time.

The History of Mr. Polly (1910)

Published in 1910, The History of Mr. Polly is a novel that tells the story of a man who becomes disillusioned with his life and decides to make a change. The novel explores themes of identity, morality, and the human condition. The History of Mr. Polly has been praised for its vivid descriptions of life in the early 20th century and its thought-provoking exploration of the social and political issues of the time.

The New Machiavelli (1911)

Published in 1911, The New Machiavelli is a novel that tells the story of a man who becomes involved in politics and must navigate the complexities of power and corruption. The novel explores themes of politics, morality, and the human condition. The New Machiavelli has been praised for its thought-provoking exploration of the possibilities of human society and its potential for improvement.

Men Like Gods (1923)

Published in 1923, Men Like Gods is a science fiction novel that tells the story of a group of people who are transported to a parallel universe where they encounter a utopian society. The novel explores themes of scientific innovation, morality, and the potential consequences of human actions. Men Like Gods has been praised for its thought-provoking storyline and its exploration of the human condition, and it continues to inspire writers to explore the possibilities of scientific innovation and its potential consequences.