The Invisible Man
The Complete & Unabridged Original Classic
by H. G. Wells
The Invisible Man originally appeared in serialized form in Pearson’s Weekly in 1897 and was published as a novel the same year telling the story of “Griffin,” a former medical student and scientist who has, through research into the science of optics, invented a process to make a human body invisible. He has successfully applied the procedure to himself but finds that he is unable to reverse the effects, leading to a series of events that spiral out of control. The extent to which “runaway science,” Griffin’s personal psychological makeup, or human nature in general drive the events echoes a theme that recurs throughout Wells’ works.
Typical of Wells’ major science fiction works, The Invisible Man reflects a degree of ambivalence about “scientific progress,” and looks at the possible effects of science and technology applied without restraint. Much like “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” it can be viewed as a sort of cautionary tale, warning that science and technology, when pursued and applied outside a structure of societal norms and ethical restraints, can lead to disastrous consequences.
This premium quality large print volume presents H. G. Wells’ original science fiction classic in a freshly edited and newly typeset edition featuring a generous 6″x9″ page size and printed on heavyweight bright white paper with a fully laminated cover with an original full color design. Also included is an introductory biographical sketch discussing Wells’ life, work and continuing literary significance.
H.G. Wells…
Herbert George Wells (1866–1946), was born to shopkeepers who had previously been employed as domestic servants. When an injury ended his father’s income as a professional cricketer, Wells’ parents, on the brink of poverty, apprenticed him to a draper, but he was dismissed after a short time and subsequently became a “pupil-teacher” in a system where older students helped teach younger students. Despite having little formal education, Wells, a voracious reader, won a scholarship to the Normal School of Science in London where he completed courses in biology and physics, but left the school in 1887 after failing geology and losing his scholarship.
Best known today for his science fiction works, Wells’ first published book was a biology textbook in 1893. With the publication of The Time Machine in 1895 Wells began a long and successful writing career. The next several years saw the publication of The War of the Worlds, The Invisible Man, The Island of Doctor Moreau, The First Men in the Moon and many other works ranging from humorous social commentary novels to non-fiction and political polemics. In 1920, he published his landmark Outline of History, which became the model for “outline” texts in a variety of disciplines.
Over time Wells’ works became increasingly political, contentious and argumentative and only his early science fiction novels are widely read today. Those novels provide insights into the science and society of Wells’ day and are interesting for their prediction of future events and scientific developments. Wells’ science fiction tales are also very entertaining and easy to read. Many of his story elements, like time travel, hostile aliens, mutant creatures and space travel, became common themes in science fiction
In literary circles, Wells’ comic novels, virtually unknown to readers of today, are considered outstanding examples of 20th century British literature, and Wells’ work is regarded as one of the best examples of pre-World War I liberal optimism. Yet Wells’ social optimism is tempered, particularly in his science fiction works, and he clearly voices a sense of dread of science and technology gone out-of-control that runs through post-Victorian British thought.
Wells is often referred to as one of “The Fathers of Science Fiction,” and “science fiction” today might look very different without Wells’ contributions.
Product details
Publisher: Summit Classic Press (August 7, 2014)
Language: English
Paperback: 268 pages
ISBN: 978-1500761783
Item Weight: 12.8 ounces
Dimensions: 6 x 0.61 x 9 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #2,589,990 in Books
#38,086 in Science Fiction Adventures
#52,525 in Classic Literature & Fiction
Customer Reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars 11,079 ratings
3.8 on Goodreads 318,792 ratings
List Price: $12.95
