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Herbert

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Herbert George Wells, commonly known as H.G.

Wells, was born on September 21, 1866, in Bromley,


Kent, England. He was an English writer best known for his science fiction novels, though his literary
contributions spanned various genres including social commentary, history, and satire. Wells is often
referred to as the "father of science fiction," a title he shares with French writer Jules Verne.

Wells was born into a lower-middle-class family. His father was a professional cricketer and
shopkeeper, and his mother was a domestic servant. The family struggled financially, and Wells was
apprenticed as a draper's assistant at a young age, a job he disliked intensely. However, this
experience would later provide material for his semi-autobiographical novel, "Kipps: The Story of a
Simple Soul."

Wells's formal education began when he won a scholarship to the Normal School of Science in
London, where he studied biology under Thomas Henry Huxley, a famous advocate of Darwinism.
This scientific training significantly influenced his thinking and writing. Wells's first significant work,
"The Time Machine" (1895), introduced the concept of time travel and set the tone for his
subsequent science fiction novels. In this novel, Wells explores themes of social inequality and the
human condition, envisioning a future where the human race has evolved into two distinct species.

Following the success of "The Time Machine," Wells published a series of influential science fiction
works, including "The Island of Doctor Moreau" (1896), "The Invisible Man" (1897), and "The War of
the Worlds" (1898). "The War of the Worlds," perhaps his most famous work, describes an alien
invasion of Earth and is seen as a critique of British imperialism. These novels are characterized by
their imaginative plots and underlying social commentary, making Wells not only a pioneer in the
science fiction genre but also a writer deeply concerned with the societal issues of his time.

Wells's literary output was prodigious, and his works extended beyond fiction. He wrote extensively
on politics, history, and social issues. His "Outline of History" (1920) was an ambitious attempt to
provide a comprehensive history of the world and became a bestseller. Wells was also an advocate
for social reform and was involved in various political movements. He was a member of the Fabian
Society, a socialist organization, and his writings often reflected his progressive beliefs.

Despite his success, Wells's personal life was complicated. He married his cousin, Isabel Mary Wells,
in 1891, but the marriage was short-lived. He later married Amy Catherine Robbins, with whom he
had two sons. Wells also had numerous affairs, which he discussed openly in his autobiographical
works. These relationships influenced his writing, as seen in novels like "Ann Veronica" (1909), which
explores themes of women's independence and social norms.

In his later years, Wells continued to write prolifically, producing works like "The Shape of Things to
Come" (1933), which predicted future global conflicts and the development of a world state. He
remained an active social commentator until his death on August 13, 1946. Wells's influence on
literature and popular culture is immense, with his ideas and themes continuing to resonate in
contemporary science fiction.

H.G. Wells's legacy is marked by his ability to blend imaginative storytelling with incisive social
critique. His works challenged readers to think about the future and the impact of science and
technology on society. Wells's vision of the future, while often bleak, was rooted in a desire for
progress and a better understanding of the human condition. His contributions to literature and his
insights into the potential and pitfalls of human progress ensure that he remains a towering figure in
the world of science fiction and beyond.

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