H. G. Wells, born Herbert George Wells on September 21, 1866, was an English writer who is best known for his science fiction novels. He was active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is considered one of the pioneers of the science fiction genre. Wells’ works often explored themes of time travel, alien invasion, and the consequences of scientific advancements on society.
Some of Wells’ key influential works include “The Time Machine” (1895), which popularized the concept of time travel and introduced the idea of a dystopian future; “The War of the Worlds” (1898), a thrilling tale of a Martian invasion that highlighted the vulnerability of mankind; and “The Invisible Man” (1897), a story that delved into the ethical implications of invisibility and power.
Wells’ writing style was characterized by a blend of scientific speculation, social commentary, and adventure. His works often challenged the prevailing ideologies of his time and explored the impact of scientific progress on humanity. Wells’ ability to combine imaginative storytelling with thought-provoking themes made him a significant figure in the literary world, and his works continue to be celebrated and studied today.
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1967: The Shape of Things to Come, by H. G. Wells
$20.00“The Shape of Things to Come,” authored by H.G. Wells and originally published in 1933, is a visionary science fiction novel that explores the future of humanity through speculative foresight. The narrative is framed as a historical account written from the future, specifically the year 2106, by a character named Dr. Philip Raven, who bases his account on a series of dream visions. Wells’s ambitious narrative spans from the 1930s to the 22nd century, detailing a series of catastrophic events, including global wars, plagues, and the eventual collapse of existing political and social structures. Notably, the novel predicts the occurrence of a second world war and various technological advancements, such as air warfare and a global communication network akin to the internet.
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1929: The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind, by H. G. Wells
$20.00“The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind” by H. G. Wells, published by Doubleday, Doran and Gundy in Toronto in 1929.
Spanning 1171 pages, this single-volume edition includes a wide range of necessary maps, charts, illustrations, and diagrams. The black hardcover volume with red ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine showcases moderate wear and rubbing, while the inside front cover bears the owner’s name inscription. Despite its age, the book remains well bound, clean, and free from any additional writing or markings. The pages have moderately toned due to time, but this does not hinder the overall readability.
This historical masterpiece offers a detailed exploration of the evolution of life and mankind, providing valuable insights into key events and themes that have shaped our world.
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1961 set of 2: The Outline of History The Whole Story of Man, H.G. Wells, 200 maps and illustrations
$75.00The Outline of History: The Whole Story of Man is a two-volume account written by H.G. Wells, revised and updated by Raymond Postgate. The book covers the entirety of human history, from the earliest civilizations to the present day, and is accompanied by 200 maps and illustrations. The set was published in 1961 by Garden City Books and is a Book Club Edition.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of human history, including the rise and fall of empires, major world events, and the development of science and technology. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in history, and the inclusion of maps and illustrations helps to bring the content to life. The set is in near mint condition, with only slight wear on the dust jackets.
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1930: The Dream, by H.G. Wells, the Novel Library Series
$40.00The Dream is a novel by H.G. Wells that was published in the Novel Library series in 1930. The story follows a man named William Leadford who falls asleep in 1906 and wakes up in the year 1930. He discovers that the world has undergone significant changes, including the emergence of a world government and the abolition of war. However, he also realizes that society has become more regimented and controlled, and he struggles to adjust to the new way of life.
The Vintage Edition of The Dream is a compact blue hardcover volume with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine. Despite some wear on the cover and spine, the book is in good condition with no writing or markings. However, there is some yellowing and foxing to the pages due to age.
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1933, H. G. Wells: World of William Glissold (2 volumes), Tono Bungay
$115.00The World of William Glissold and Tono Bungay are two books written by H.G. Wells and published in 1933. The World of William Glissold is a two-volume set, totaling 510 pages, while Tono Bungay is a standalone book with 254 pages. Both books are presented in red cloth hardcovers with gilt lettering on the spine and an impression of H.G. Wells’ signature on the front cover. The top edges are painted black, and while there is some foxing to the endpages and fore-edges, the volumes are clean and tightly bound with no markings.
The World of William Glissold follows the life of the titular character, a writer and philosopher, as he navigates the political and social landscape of the early 20th century. Tono Bungay, on the other hand, tells the story of a young man who invents a miracle cure-all and rises to fame and fortune, only to have his success unravel due to his own greed and deceit. These books are a must-read for any fan of H.G. Wells’ work and are in excellent condition, making them a great addition to any library.
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1980s set of 3: H.G. Wells Science Fiction Treasury, Works of Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain – Chatham River Press
$245.00This set of three publications by Chatham River Press includes the works of three classic authors: Edgar Allan Poe, H.G. Wells, and Mark Twain. The Edgar Allan Poe volume contains all of his short stories, a complete novel, and several poems, while the H.G. Wells volume features six of his most famous science fiction works. The Mark Twain volume includes some of his most beloved novels, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. All three volumes are bound in red leatherette with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the cover and spine, and all page edges are gilt. Despite slight fading due to age, the volumes are in excellent condition and appear unread, making them a beautiful collectible set that would make a wonderful gift.
This set is part of the Greenwich Unabridged Library Classics Series and is a great addition to any classic literature collection.