H. G. Wells
H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was an English writer, often called 'the father of science fiction.' In a handful of pioneering novels written in the 1890s, he imagined many of the ideas that would define the genre for the next century — time travel, alien invasion, invisibility, genetic engineering — and did it with such clarity and force that the books have never gone out of print.
His 'scientific romances' include The Time Machine, The War of the Worlds, The Invisible Man, and The Island of Doctor Moreau. Beyond science fiction, Wells was a prolific novelist, historian, and social commentator who wrote realist novels, popular histories, and works advocating for social reform and a more rational, unified world.
Trained in science, Wells brought a rigorous, speculative imagination to his fiction, using fantastic premises to explore very human fears about progress, class, and the future.
His prose is clear and fast-moving, and our editions present it cleanly for modern readers. Read the opening free, and read or listen with a membership.
H. G. Wells in the library · 11 works
A Short History of the World
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The Country of the Blind, and Other Stories
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The Island of Doctor Moreau
The Sleeper Awakes
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The Time Machine
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Audiobooks by H. G. Wells
Every H. G. Wells title in the library is also a complete, professionally produced audiobook — 11 audiobooks in total. Members listen free on any device. Browse the audiobook library →
Frequently asked questions about H. G. Wells
What did H. G. Wells write?
Wells is best known for his early science fiction: The Time Machine, The War of the Worlds, The Invisible Man, and The Island of Doctor Moreau. He also wrote realist novels such as The History of Mr Polly and Kipps, popular non-fiction like The Outline of History, and many works of social and political commentary. His 'scientific romances' are his most enduring legacy.
Where should I start with H. G. Wells?
The War of the Worlds and The Time Machine are the perfect starting points — short, gripping, and endlessly influential. The Invisible Man is another fast, entertaining choice. All three show off his gift for turning a bold idea into a suspenseful, thought-provoking story.
Did H. G. Wells invent science fiction?
He did not invent it single-handedly, but he is one of its principal founders, alongside Jules Verne. Wells was the first to popularise many of the genre's core ideas — time travel, alien invasion, invisibility, and biological engineering — and to use them to explore social and philosophical questions. His influence on all later science fiction is enormous.
What is The War of the Worlds about?
It describes a sudden invasion of Earth by Martians armed with vastly superior technology, told through the eyes of an ordinary Englishman as society collapses around him. Beneath the thrilling catastrophe lies a sharp commentary on imperialism, human arrogance, and our place in the universe. Its 1938 radio adaptation famously caused a public sensation.
Are H. G. Wells's books hard to read?
Not particularly — Wells wrote in a clear, direct, journalistic style, and his science-fiction novels are short and briskly paced. The main dated element is occasional Victorian-era phrasing and social attitudes. A clear modern edition keeps the momentum and makes the books very approachable.
When did H. G. Wells live?
Wells was born in 1866 and died in 1946. He wrote his famous scientific romances in the 1890s and remained a prolific and influential public writer for the next fifty years. He lived through both World Wars, which deepened his concern with the future of humanity.
Where can I read H. G. Wells for free?
Wells's classic science-fiction novels are in the public domain and freely available. Older editions keep his original text. Here you can read the openings free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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