Author
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
1866-1946
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells (1866-1946) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The Time Machine
"The Time Machine" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novella published in 1895. A Victorian scientist known as the Time Traveller journeys to the year 802,701, where he discovers humanity has evolved into two distinct species: the childlike Eloi and the savage Morlocks. This groundbreaking work popularized the concept of time travel and coined the term "time machine." Wells crafts a haunting vision of the future that explores class divisions and social inequality, taking readers on an unforgettable adventure through time's darkest possibilities.
The war of the worlds
"The War of the Worlds" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel written between 1895 and 1897. When Martians with superior intelligence and advanced weapons invade Earth, humanity faces extinction. The extraterrestrials emerge from metal cylinders, wielding devastating heat rays and toxic chemical weapons as they methodically destroy England's defenses. An unnamed narrator struggles to survive the carnage and reunite with his wife while civilization collapses around him. One of the earliest alien invasion stories, Wells's novel explores humanity's vulnerability against an unstoppable force.
The Invisible Man: A Grotesque Romance
"The Invisible Man: A Grotesque Romance" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel published in 1897. Griffin, a brilliant scientist, discovers how to make himself invisible by altering his body's refractive index. But when he cannot reverse the process, his isolation and frustration spiral into madness and violence. As he terrorizes an English village and evades capture, Griffin's desperate quest for power transforms him into a dangerous fugitive hunted by increasingly desperate authorities. This influential novel explores the dark consequences of unchecked ambition and invisibility's corrupting power.
Ann Veronica: A Modern Love Story
"Ann Veronica: A Modern Love Story" by H. G. Wells is a novel published in 1909. It follows twenty-one-year-old Ann Veronica Stanley as she rebels against her controlling father's patriarchal authority in Edwardian London. Fleeing her restrictive home to live independently, she pursues biology studies and becomes entangled in the women's suffrage movement. Her struggle for autonomy leads to unexpected complications when she falls in love with a married man, forcing her to choose between social convention and personal desire.
The island of Doctor Moreau
"The Island of Doctor Moreau" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel published in 1896. Shipwrecked scientist Edward Prendick finds himself stranded on a remote island inhabited by Doctor Moreau, a disgraced physiologist conducting horrific experiments. Through vivisection, Moreau transforms animals into human-like creatures called the Beast Folk, who struggle to maintain their humanity under a strict code of laws. As Prendick uncovers the dark secrets of the island, he confronts questions about the boundaries of science, the nature of human identity, and the price of unchecked ambition.
The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind
"The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind" by H. G. Wells is a historical work published in 1920. This ambitious chronicle traces human civilization from Earth's origins to the First World War, exploring humanity's quest for common purpose and the development of free intelligence. Wells examines the cyclical conflicts between nomadic cultures and settled civilizations, rejecting theories of racial superiority while mapping how knowledge and democratic movements shaped society. The work sold over two million copies and profoundly influenced history education worldwide.
The Passionate Friends
"The Passionate Friends" by H. G. Wells is a novel published in 1913. It follows Stephen Stratton through a lifetime shaped by his forbidden love for Lady Mary Christian, a woman married to a wealthy financier. Their relationship unfolds across continents—from England to South Africa, through Asia and the Alps—as Stephen develops ambitious ideas about humanity's future. The novel explores love, duty, and social constraints while introducing Wells's vision of individuals working toward a transformed world.
The Country of the Blind, and Other Stories
"The Country of the Blind, and Other Stories" by H. G. Wells is a collection of thirty-three fantasy and science fiction short stories written between 1894 and 1909. First published in 1911, this anthology represents what Wells considered his finest short fiction worth preserving. The stories span invisible terrors, strange discoveries, cosmic catastrophes, and unsettling transformations. From mysterious orchids to isolated valleys, from scientific accidents to magical encounters, these tales explore the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary, showcasing Wells's imaginative vision during science fiction's formative years.
A Short History of the World
"A Short History of the World" by H. G. Wells is a historical account published in 1922. Drawing from his fuller work "The Outline of History," Wells condenses humanity's grand adventure for busy readers. The book traces Earth's origins through the development of life, early civilizations, and human thought, concluding with World War I and the League of Nations. Albert Einstein later recommended it as essential reading for understanding civilization's progress.
The Red Room
"The Red Room" by H. G. Wells is a Gothic short story written in 1894. A confident narrator volunteers to spend the night in a supposedly haunted room at Lorraine Castle, determined to disprove supernatural legends. Despite warnings from the castle's elderly custodians, he begins his vigil. As darkness deepens, his rational certainty crumbles into mounting terror, leading to a startling revelation about the true nature of what haunts the crimson chamber.
The New Machiavelli
"The New Machiavelli" by H. G. Wells is a novel published in 1911. It follows Richard Remington, a brilliant politician consumed by dreams of reshaping England's social order. Rising from Cambridge scholar to influential parliamentarian, he navigates the competing worlds of Liberal socialism and Conservative politics. But when a passionate affair with a young Oxford graduate threatens everything, Remington must choose between his political ambitions and personal desires. A controversial work that sparked literary scandal, the novel explores politics, sex, and the hypocrisy of Edwardian morality.
The Door in the Wall, and Other Stories
"The Door in the Wall, and Other Stories" by H. G. Wells is a collection of short stories written during the late 19th century. The opening story, "The Door in the Wall," introduces Lionel Wallace, a man who recounts a fantastical memory from his childhood about a door that leads to an enchanted garden. This memory serves as the focal point of his life, symbolizing the deep longings and regrets that haunt him as he struggles with the weight of adult responsibilities. At the start of the story, a narrator listens to Wallace as he reflects on a peculiar garden he discovered as a child, filled with beauty and companionship. Wallace describes his initial encounter with the door and the vibrant world it led him to, contrasting it with the mundane realities of his life. Despite his success in adulthood, he grapples with a profound sense of loss and regret for having abandoned that fantastical realm in pursuit of a conventional life. The narrative delves into themes of memory, longing, and the sacrifices made in the name of duty, leaving readers to ponder the impact of choices and the nature of true happiness.
The World Set Free
"The World Set Free" by H. G. Wells is a novel written in 1913 and published in 1914. Wells envisions a devastating future war in 1956 where both sides wield atomic bombs—crude but continuously burning weapons that leave battlefields radioactive for years. As civilization collapses under nuclear destruction, humanity faces a choice: descend into barbarism or unite under a world government. The novel explores how uncontrolled atomic energy forces mankind to abandon the nation-state system and embrace global cooperation to survive.
Joan and Peter: The story of an education
"Joan and Peter: The story of an education" by H. G. Wells is a novel published in 1918. Following two orphaned children through late-Victorian and Edwardian England, the story chronicles their turbulent upbringing as competing guardians battle over their education. Peter and Joan navigate questionable schools, social upheaval, and personal conflicts while growing up as wards. As World War I erupts, their experiences crystallize into deeper understanding about life, love, and the future. Wells crafted this ambitious work as both a critique of English education and a reflection on war's impact on society.
The War in the Air
"The War in the Air" by H. G. Wells is a military science fiction novel published in 1908. The story follows Bert Smallways, an ordinary bicycle engineer who accidentally stumbles upon secret aircraft technology and gets swept into a catastrophic global conflict. As German airships launch a surprise attack on America and Asian forces join the fray, Bert witnesses the devastating power of aerial warfare. Wells's prophetic vision anticipates modern combat and World War I with chilling accuracy.
Little Wars; a game for boys from twelve years of age to one hundred and fifty and for that more intelligent sort of girl who likes boys' games and books.
"Little Wars; a game for boys from twelve years of age to one hundred and fifty…" by H. G. Wells is a set of rules for playing with toy soldiers published in 1913. The book provides simple rules for miniature wargaming using infantry, cavalry, and artillery, including a toy cannon that launches projectiles to knock down enemy soldiers. Written in a whimsical style with philosophical reflections on war, Wells describes actual gameplay through drawings, photographs, and mock-heroic battle memoirs, while revealing his pacifist views on warfare.
The Stolen Bacillus and Other Incidents
"The Stolen Bacillus and Other Incidents" by H. G. Wells is a collection of fifteen short stories written between 1893 and 1895. Published in 1895 as Wells's first short story collection, these fantasy and science fiction tales explore strange orchids, mysterious bacilli, diamond makers, and exotic islands. Each story presents curious incidents where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary. From laboratories to observatories, from burglaries to taxidermists, Wells crafts brief glimpses into worlds where scientific marvels and human ambitions intersect in unexpected ways.
Twelve Stories and a Dream
"Twelve Stories and a Dream" by H. G. Wells is a collection of literary works spanning the late 19th century, showcasing Wells' hallmark imaginative storytelling and satirical insights. This compilation comprises twelve short stories, each offering a unique perspective on human nature, technology, and fantastical elements. The stories delve into themes of personal ambition, scientific discovery, and the whims of fate, as illustrated by characters like Filmer, a timid inventor whose aspirations lead to unexpected consequences. The opening of "Twelve Stories and a Dream" introduces the character of Filmer, an overlooked inventor who is ultimately credited with the invention of a flying machine. The narrative provides a glimpse into Filmer's life, illustrating the struggles and societal perceptions surrounding his genius and the irony of being championed for an invention he is not inclined to physically embrace. His journey is marked by a mix of determination and fear as he grapples with the implications of his success and the expectations it brings. This introduction encapsulates Wells' style, blending realism with speculative ideas, inviting readers into a world where ambition and anxiety intertwine.
["Thirty Strange Stories","30 Strange Stories"]
"Thirty Strange Stories" by H. G. Wells is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The anthology showcases Wells's talent for weaving imaginative tales that explore various aspects of human experience through a fantastical lens. The stories feature a range of characters, such as the shy orchid enthusiast Winter-Wedderburn from "The Strange Orchid," who finds himself in a bizarre and potentially perilous situation. The opening of "Thirty Strange Stories" introduces us to Winter-Wedderburn, a lonely man who is passionate about orchids and enjoys attending plant sales in hopes of finding something rare and remarkable. After purchasing an unidentified orchid that had been collected under tragic circumstances, he becomes increasingly captivated by its peculiar growth, which seems to hold a promise of wonder. However, as he tends to his new acquisition, unsettling hints suggest that this orchid may not be as benign as it appears, culminating in a chilling event that forces his housekeeper to rescue him from the strange plant's grasp. This opening sets the stage for themes of curiosity, danger, and the unknown throughout the collection.
The First Men in the Moon
"The First Men in the Moon" by H. G. Wells is a scientific romance serialized from 1900 to 1901. When businessman Mr. Bedford meets eccentric scientist Mr. Cavor, they build a spacecraft using a gravity-blocking substance to reach the Moon in search of mineral wealth. There they discover a sophisticated underground civilization of insect-like creatures called Selenites, whose rigidly hierarchical society serves as sharp social satire. The adventure combines thrilling action with dystopian commentary on specialization and collectivism.
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of H. G. Wells Hyperlinks to all Chapters of all Individual Ebooks
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of H. G. Wells" by H. G. Wells is a comprehensive compilation of the various literary works authored by Wells, a prominent figure in the realm of science fiction and social commentary during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This publication serves as an index rather than a traditional narrative, listing titles spanning multiple genres, including novels, essays, and social critiques, reflecting on themes such as humanity's relationship with technology, social progress, and speculative futures. The index features notable titles such as "The Time Machine," "The War of the Worlds," and "The Invisible Man," among many others, providing hyperlinks for easy navigation to individual works available through Project Gutenberg. Each entry holds its unique lens on society, often blending fantastical elements with probing insights into human nature and the state of civilization during Wells' time. The collection stands as a valuable resource for readers interested in exploring the breadth of H.G. Wells’ thought-provoking contributions to literature and thought.
Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul
"Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul" by H. G. Wells is a novel published in 1905. Arthur Kipps, an orphaned shop boy, unexpectedly inherits a fortune that thrusts him into unfamiliar social circles. As he struggles to navigate class expectations and remake himself into a gentleman, Kipps must choose between social ambition and authentic happiness. This comedy of manners explores whether wealth truly elevates or simply complicates a simple soul's life.
When the Sleeper Wakes
"When the Sleeper Wakes" by H. G. Wells is a dystopian science fiction novel published in 1899. A man falls into a coma and awakens 203 years later in a transformed London, discovering he has become the world's richest man. His accumulated wealth has been used to build a vast new order that controls half the world. As he navigates this strange future society, he must confront whether to accept his role as figurehead or challenge the oppressive system built in his name.
Tono-Bungay
"Tono-Bungay" by H. G. Wells is a realist semiautobiographical novel published in 1909. George Ponderevo narrates his seven-year involvement in selling his uncle's patent medicine, which he knows is "a damned swindle." As his uncle's business empire rises and collapses, George grapples with religious doubt, socialism, and ennui while navigating failed relationships and a decaying English social system. The novel traces his journey from idealistic youth to disillusioned designer of naval destroyers, questioning what drives modern civilization.