Universe · 3 books
Wells Scientific Romances
Coming soon
The founding trio of science fiction as a modern literary genre - in the 1890s H.G. Wells invented the tropes of the time traveller, the alien invasion and the experiment that goes wrong. Edwardian England as the setting where scientific Reason meets its ethical and cosmological limits, and progress reveals horrors.
H.G. Wells' Scientific Romances have profoundly shaped the landscape of modern science fiction, pioneering essential tropes such as time travel and alien invasions. Celebrated in NPR's Top 100 Science Fiction and Fantasy Books and adapted into numerous films and other media, his works resonate through the ages, compelling readers to explore the ethical boundaries of scientific progress.
NPR Top 100 Science Fiction and Fantasy Books (2011) Le Monde's 100 Books of the Century
Timelines13
The Age of DiscoveryIntroduction to radical scientific theories and inventions that challenge reality.
The Dawn of Time TravelThe Time Traveller's initial experiments and first journey into the future.
The Eloi and MorlocksExploration of the distant future societies encountered by the Time Traveller.
The Return to the PastThe Time Traveller's return and reflections on his journey.
Martian ObservationMartians observe Earth and prepare for invasion.
The Martian LandingArrival of Martians on Earth and initial encounters with humans.
The War of the WorldsMartian invasion and the ensuing chaos and destruction.
Survival and ResistanceHumanity's struggle to survive and resist the Martian threat.
The Aftermath and ReflectionThe aftermath of the Martian invasion and humanity's reflections.
The Arrival of the Invisible ManIntroduction of the mysterious stranger and the beginning of his story.
Unveiling the InvisibleRevelations about the Invisible Man's past and his interactions with the villagers.
The Invisible ThreatThe Invisible Man's actions and the resulting chaos and fear.
The Final ConfrontationClimax of the Invisible Man's story and the resolution of his fate.
Storylines10
The Ethics of Scientific ProgressExplores the moral implications and consequences of scientific discoveries and inventions.
Isolation and MadnessThe psychological impact of isolation and the descent into madness faced by central characters.
The Nature of HumanityExamines the essence of humanity through interactions with otherworldly beings and future societies.
Survival Against the UnknownHumanity's struggle to survive against alien and future threats.
The Duality of ProgressThe contrast between technological advancement and societal regression.
The Other as Existential ThreatThe fear and existential dread of encountering the alien or unknown.
Social and Class StructuresThe depiction and critique of social and class structures in future and alien societies.
The Scientist's AmbitionThe drive and ambition of scientists to push boundaries, often leading to unintended consequences.
The Limits of Human PerceptionChallenges to human perception and understanding when faced with the invisible or incomprehensible.
The Cycle of CivilizationThe rise and fall of civilizations and the cyclical nature of progress and decline.
Connection Threads3
Invasion of the UnknownTracks the theme of alien invasion and the existential threat posed by the Other, emphasizing the response of Edwardian society to the unknown.
Mad Scientist's AmbitionExplores the journey of scientists who, driven by ambition, cross ethical boundaries, leading to unintended consequences and personal downfall.
The Time Traveler's DilemmaThis thread follows the ethical and philosophical challenges faced by the time traveler as he confronts the consequences of his journeys through time.
