The H.G. Wells Collection

Herbert George Wells was one of the most prolific and influential writers of the late 19th and early 20th century, producing during his lifetime some of the most revered and best-selling books of the science fiction genre earning himself the title of "The Father of Science Fiction." More than simply a spinner of futuristic tales, Wells was also a fierce and incisive social critic. His works reflect an astonishing foresight, as Wells predicted many of the century's greatest innovations, including space travel, the dominance of 20th century aircraft, tank warfare, satellite television, nuclear weapons and the Internet. His works often touched on the fantastical as well, dealing with such topics as time travel, alien invasion, invisibility and bioengineering. An outspoken socialist and pacifist, Wells later turned his attention to politics and his later works are more the work of a journalist and activist than that of a creator of fiction. His best known works remain his "Scientific Romances," which include The Time Machine, The Invisible Man, The Island of Doctor Moreau and perhaps the most famous work of science fiction ever created - The War of the Worlds. Wells' works have been adapted into radio dramas, stage productions and dozens of motion pictures. H.G. Wells died on August 13, 1946 at the age of 79. He had requested that his epitaph read: "I told you so. You damned fools." However, upon his death, his remains were cremated and scattered into the English Channel.