Subject
Science fiction, English Books
Best books
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
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.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
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.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
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.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
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.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
["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.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
Tales of Space and Time
"Tales of Space and Time" by H. G. Wells is a fantasy and science fiction collection published in 1899. This volume gathers three short stories and two novellas written between 1897 and 1898, exploring realms both distant and familiar. From mysterious artifacts and cosmic catastrophes to prehistoric adventures and futuristic dystopias, Wells crafts tales that span humanity's past, present, and potential futures. The collection showcases Wells's imaginative range, transporting readers across time and space to contemplate extraordinary possibilities.
George Chetwynd Griffith
The World Peril of 1910
"The World Peril of 1910" by George Chetwynd Griffith is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of pre-World War I Europe, the story revolves around John Castellan, an Irishman, and his groundbreaking invention that melds submarine and aerial warfare, dubbed the "Flying Fish." As tensions arise among nations and the fate of the world hangs in the balance, Castellan's work becomes a focal point for conflict and intrigue. The opening of the novel introduces us to the world of John Castellan, who is depicted as a gifted inventor with a rich ancestral history. He is working tirelessly in his room, perfecting designs for innovative machinery that has the potential to change the dynamics of warfare. In Clifden, a chance encounter leads to a dramatic rescue of a girl from drowning, setting off a chain of events that intertwine Castellan’s personal motivations and ambitions with the larger geopolitical landscape of his time. Tension builds as Castellan grapples with his feelings of patriotism and the impact his inventions may have on his homeland and the world at large, ultimately hinting at looming global conflict that could arise from technological advances in weaponry.
Charles Dixon
Fifteen Hundred Miles an Hour
"Fifteen Hundred Miles an Hour" by Charles Dixon is a science fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds around the ambitious Doctor Hermann and his companions who embark on a daring journey from Earth to Mars in a specially designed air carriage named the "Sirius". The book explores themes of exploration, the quest for knowledge, and the encounter with alien worlds, emphasizing the scientific advancements of the time. The opening of the narrative introduces us to Doctor Hermann, who is confident in his experimental designs for a high-speed journey through space. As he convinces his partners, John Temple and the engineer Harry Graham, to support his venture, they prepare to leave Earth. A dynamic and adventurous atmosphere is established as they face both the mysteries of space travel and the possibilities of life on Mars, amplifying excitement and tension within the story. The group encounters several challenges, including a fierce sandstorm, the discovery of a mysterious meteorite, and the ensuing suspenseful journey through the cosmos, setting the stage for the thrilling adventures to come.
S. Fowler (Sydney Fowler) Wright
The world below
"The World Below" by S. Fowler Wright is a science fiction novel first published in 1929. A man journeys 500,000 years into the future using a time machine, discovering a transformed Earth inhabited by strange new beings. He encounters the Amphibians, intelligent furry creatures who guide his exploration, before falling into the hands of the Dwellers—mysterious giants who control the continent's fate. This atmospheric tale blends philosophical inquiry with adventure in a distant, alien world.
Andrew Lang
In the Wrong Paradise, and Other Stories
"In the Wrong Paradise and Other Stories" by Andrew Lang is a collection of short stories likely written during the late 19th century. The opening tale, "The End of Phaeacia," introduces the character of the Rev. Thomas Gowles, a missionary who becomes embroiled in bizarre and perilous events while serving in a fictional Pacific island setting. The book explores themes of cultural clash and the absurdities of colonial perceptions, as seen through the eyes of Gowles, who navigates the strange customs and beliefs of the natives. The opening of this story describes the background of the Rev. Thomas Gowles, detailing his fierce conviction in his beliefs and his arrival in the mysterious land after a shipwreck. As he awakens on the island, he observes the peculiar behaviors of the natives, including a human sacrifice. Conflicted by the violent practices of the islanders, he becomes determined to maintain his missionary purpose despite his fears of being mistaken for a deity. The narrative follows his struggles and encounters with both the harsh realities of the indigenous culture and his own shortcomings, laying the groundwork for a blend of satire and adventure in Lang’s storytelling.
J. Maclaren (James Maclaren) Cobban
Master of His Fate
"Master of His Fate" by J. Maclaren Cobban is a novel written in the late 19th century. It explores the life of Julius Courtney, a well-regarded but enigmatic figure in London's artistic and scientific circles, who is both celebrated for his intellect and character yet seems to lead a life free from conventional responsibilities. At its core, the novel delves into themes of personal purpose, the interplay between life and art, and the complexities of human relationships. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Julius Courtney at the Hyacinth Club, where he engages in philosophical discussions with fellow members, discussing topics ranging from nature's beauty to the limits of scientific understanding. As the conversation flows, an alarming news report about a mysterious case in Paris captures their attention, hinting at deeper explorations into hypnosis and mental collapse. Julius expresses his reluctance to accept conventional views, hinting at a broader disdain for materialism and social expectations. As the narrative progresses, the dynamics shift when Lefevre, Julius's friend and a doctor, navigates the mysteries surrounding a series of unexplained incidents, including a young man found in a trance-like state and a woman who has similarly vanished into semi-consciousness, both connected by an elusive figure, M. Dolaro. This intertwining of characters sets the stage for unfolding drama and intrigue as the reader is invited to ponder the nature of identity, authority, and the hidden burdens of the past.
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