The Time Machine
The Complete & Unabridged Original Classic
by H. G. Wells
While this tale involves the theme of time travel, Wells not only constructed an adventure story around the theme, but also delved into human nature and the role of humans in forming societies and the relationship of humans, collectively and individually, to the society in which they live.
Now a common theme in the science fiction genre, this “time travel” tale by Wells represents one of the earliest and most influential such stories and is credited with being the first appearance of a “vehicle” which travels through time, controlled by a time traveler acting as pilot or passenger. In the context of this story, Wells invites the reader to ponder the possible future of humanity, what factors influence the development of human societies, and the range of possible human responses.
This premium quality large print volume includes the complete and unabridged text of H. G. Wells’ original science fiction classic — The Time Machine — an enduring and still-popular work which exerted a huge influence on the science fiction genre which continues today.
This freshly edited and newly typeset edition features a generous 6″x9″ page size and is printed on heavyweight 60# bright white paper with a fully laminated cover featuring an original full color design. Also included in this volume 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: 184 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1500752866
Item Weight: 9 ounces
Dimensions: 6 x 0.42 x 9 inches
Customer Reviews: 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 14,315 ratings
3.9 on Goodreads 525,180 ratings
List Price $10.95
