Herbert George Wells, born in England in 1866, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century. With a background marked by financial struggles, Wells turned to education and literature as vehicles for personal advancement. His works, particularly in science fiction, have left an indelible mark on literary history, and his engagement with politics and social issues highlighted his wide-ranging intellect.

Early Life and Education

Herbert George Wells entered the world in Bromley, England, on September 21, 1866. His family faced economic hardships, with his father, Joseph Wells, failing as a shopkeeper before finding some success as a professional cricket player, and his mother, Sarah Neal Wells, working as a housekeeper. Despite these challenging circumstances, young Wells sought to rise above them through education and self-improvement. He voraciously consumed books, driven by a desire to forge a better future for himself.

By age sixteen, Wells had embarked on a path in education, becoming a student teacher at Midhurst Grammar School. His dedication and potential earned him a scholarship to the Normal School of Science in London. There, he studied under T. H. Huxley, a leading evolutionary theorist second only to Charles Darwin. Huxley's influence was profound, shaping Wells's thoughts on the evolutionary past and the potential future of humankind.

Literary Breakthrough

With a Bachelor of Science degree in hand by 1890, Wells initially pursued teaching for three years before fully dedicating himself to writing. His literary career took off with the publication of The Time Machine in 1895, a novel that has since become a cornerstone of science fiction. Its success provided Wells with the momentum to weave scientific ideas into his fiction, exploring complex themes like the fourth dimension, Darwinian evolution, and class dynamics inspired by Marxist theory.

In 1896, Wells continued his exploration of scientific and societal themes with The Island of Dr. Moreau, a gripping tale about a scientist's disturbing experiments that blur the lines between humans and animals. Following this, he published other notable works, such as The Invisible Man in 1897 and The War of the Worlds in 1898, the latter famously adapted into a radio broadcast by Orson Welles in 1938 that caused widespread panic among listeners.

Political Engagement and Influence

Beyond his literary achievements, Wells was deeply involved in political discourse and reform. He joined the Fabian Society, a socialist collective that counted among its members luminaries like George Bernard Shaw, and even ran for parliamentary office as a Labour Party candidate. His societal contributions extended globally, with travels to Russia, where he conversed with leaders like Vladimir Lenin and Josef Stalin, and to the United States, where he met President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Wells was a staunch advocate for the League of Nations, the precursor to the United Nations, participating actively in its Research Committee. He also authored works promoting its goals, demonstrating his commitment to global cooperation and peace.

Prolific Writing Career

Throughout his life, Wells was a prolific writer whose interests spanned multiple disciplines. He authored over one hundred books, including textbooks on biology, collections of short stories, literary critiques, and extensive studies on topics such as the global economy, British imperialism, and Russian communism. His later years were particularly productive, with significant works including Guide to the New World: A Handbook of Constructive World Revolution (1941), The Outlook for Homo Sapiens (1942), and Phoenix: A Summary of the Inescapable Conditions of World Reorganisation (1942).

Wells's writing continued to reflect his keen observations and critiques of society until the end of his life. His later publications, such as Crux Ansata: An Indictment...