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 works in the science fiction genre, earning him the title of one of the “fathers of science fiction.” Wells’ most famous works include “The War of the Worlds,” “The Time Machine,” “The Invisible Man,” and “The Island of Doctor Moreau.” Wells’ early life was marked by financial struggles, but his voracious reading habits and passion for learning led him to win a scholarship to the Normal School of Science in London, where he studied biology under Thomas Henry Huxley. His experiences there deeply influenced his writing, particularly his exploration of evolutionary themes. Throughout his career, Wells wrote over 50 novels and numerous short stories, essays, and articles. He was also a prominent social commentator and advocate for progressive causes, including education reform and social justice. Wells’ vision of the future was often bleak, reflecting his concerns about unchecked technological advancement and social inequality. Wells married twice, first to his cousin Isabel Mary Wells and then to Amy Catherine Robbins, with whom he had two sons. He also had several extramarital affairs, which were widely known and documented.

5 Interesting Facts about H. G. Wells

1. H. G. Wells predicted the advent of tanks in warfare in his 1903 story “The Land Ironclads.”

2. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature four times.

3. Wells coined the term “time machine,” which has since become a staple in science fiction literature.

4. He wrote a dystopian novel, “The Shape of Things to Come,” which eerily predicted the Second World War.

5. Wells had a keen interest in social issues and was a member of the Fabian Society, advocating for democratic socialism.

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. “If we don’t end war, war will end us.”

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

5. “There is no more evil thing in this world than race prejudice, none at all. I write deliberately—it is the worst single thing in life now. It justifies and holds together more baseness, cruelty, and abomination than any other sort of error in the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

H. G. Wells’ highest net worth is difficult to estimate accurately due to the lack of detailed financial records from his era. However, it is known that he was financially successful from his prolific writing career and his works’ adaptation into various media.

Children

H. G. Wells had two sons with his second wife, Amy Catherine Robbins: 1. George Philip (“Gip”) Wells, born in 1901. 2. Frank Richard Wells, born in 1903. He also had two other children from extramarital relationships: 1. A daughter, Anna-Jane, with writer Amber Reeves. 2. A son, Anthony West, with journalist and author Rebecca West.