H. G. Wells

"H.G. Wells" by J.D. Beresford is a critical examination of the works of the renowned English writer and futurist, written in the early 20th century. The text offers insights into the themes and ideas prevalent in Wells' various romances and novels, highlighting his unique perspective on society, human nature, and the future. Beresford explores Wells' ability to blend imaginative fiction with sociological commentary, focusing on how his narratives reflect the complexities of modern life. The opening of this analysis introduces the reader to the context of H.G. Wells' early life, noting his formative experiences that shaped his worldview. It establishes that he maintained a "normality" of perception, unaffected by conventional societal influences, allowing him to critically engage with the world around him. Beresford also highlights key works such as "The Time Machine" and "The War of the Worlds," indicating how Wells employed speculative elements to comment on social issues like class division and human evolution. This initial exploration sets a foundation for the subsequent analysis of Wells' romances and their implications for understanding societal dynamics and human relationships. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Davys Beresford was an English writer, now remembered mainly for his early science fiction and some short stories of the horror story and ghost story genres. Beresford was a great admirer of H. G. Wells, and wrote the first critical study of Wells in 1915. His Wellsian novel The Hampdenshire Wonder (1911) was a major influence for the author Olaf Stapledon. His other science-fiction novels include The Riddle of the Tower, about a dystopian, hive-like society.