A Preface to H G Wells (Paperback)

"Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe" -- H.G. Wells

• "A Preface to H.G. Wells" outlines his life, cultural background and explores important places and people in his life and their effect on his writings.
• Examines main areas of critical debate regarding Wells and his work and his two most frequently discussed novels "The Time Machine" and "Tono-Bungay."
• Looks at Wells and his circle, offers short biographies, a Wells geography and examines his literary reputation.

H.G. Wells was a novelist, journalist, sociologist and historian and "A Preface to H.G. Wells" begins by outlining his life, including his childhood and education, as well as his influences. There follows a section of critical commentary which examines, among others, his science fiction and social novels, the narrative voice and particular attention is paid to "The Time Machine" and" Tono-Bungay." Concluding is an examination of his literary reputation. "'This little book is imbued with the qualities that will ensure for H G Wells a lasting place in literary history: a sense of wonder, poetic imagination, vivid narrative power and the gift of compelling belief. Above all it epitomizes that ability to create a myth of enduring relevance to the human condition which may yet prove to be his finest contribution to life and thought.'" -- From the introduction to "A Preface to H.G. Wells"

John Hammond is the founding president of the H.G. Wells Society.