H. G. Wells

Date of Birth: September 21, 1866

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: August 13, 1946

Biography

Herbert George Wells, commonly known as H. G. Wells, was an English writer born on September 21, 1866, in Bromley, Kent, England. He is best known for his pioneering works in the science fiction genre, earning him the title “father of science fiction.” Wells was the fourth and youngest child of Joseph Wells, a professional cricketer and shopkeeper, and Sarah Neal, a former domestic servant. Wells received a scholarship to the Normal School of Science in London, where he studied biology under Thomas Henry Huxley. His scientific background heavily influenced his writing, leading to iconic works such as “The Time Machine” (1895), “The Island of Doctor Moreau” (1896), “The Invisible Man” (1897), and “The War of the Worlds” (1898). Beyond science fiction, Wells was also a prolific writer of social commentary, history, satire, biography, and autobiography. His later works included novels such as “Tono-Bungay” (1909) and “The History of Mr. Polly” (1910). Wells was an advocate for social reform, often incorporating themes of class struggle and social justice into his writing. Wells married his cousin Isabel Mary Wells in 1891, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1894. He then married Amy Catherine Robbins in 1895, with whom he had two sons: George Philip and Frank Richard. Wells had several extramarital affairs, which were publicly known. H. G. Wells passed away on August 13, 1946, in London, England, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential writers of his time.

5 Interesting Facts about H. G. Wells

1. H. G. Wells coined the term “time machine,” which is now a staple concept in science fiction.

2. He predicted the advent of world wars and the use of atomic bombs in his writings.

3. Wells was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature four times.

4. He was an outspoken socialist and a member of the Fabian Society.

5. Wells had a keen interest in futuristic technology, envisioning things like tanks, aircraft, and even the World Wide Web in his works.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from H. G. Wells

1. “Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature’s inexorable imperative.”

2. “Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe.”

3. “The past is but the beginning of a beginning, and all that is or has been is but the twilight of the dawn.”

4. “If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.”

5. “Our true nationality is mankind.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, H. G. Wells’ net worth was estimated to be around £4 million, which would be approximately $250 million today when adjusted for inflation.