A definitive collection of 21 of HG Well's short stories-including "The Time Machine"-that show the depth of Well's imagination on human evolution and scientific progress, as well as the humorous side to his writing (that very much reminds of Frank Stockton at his best..or is it Stockton reminds of Wells ?!)
Well's background in biology and his interest in social and technical sciences lend great weight to his stories; his vision of the dying earth in the 'Time Machine' is much in keeping with todays thinking . His view that many of the British Empire conquests were achieved by superior weapons and that that Empire could be crushed if it too were faced with a superior weapon (his basis for 'War of the Worlds') takes form in the 'Land Ironclads'- predicting tanks.
But its the humorous tales such as 'The Man Who Could Work Miracles', 'The Purple Pheus' and 'The New Accelerator 'that make this book a pleasure to read, and places Well's work at the stage where Victorian mawkish sentimentality is maturing into the modernist novels soon to come. My only gripe is his over use of the phrase 'Hither and Tither', obviously a favourite in the Well's household, but nothing should detract from an enjoyable read; thought provoking and humorous in turn.

Going to the winner of the Classics Sweepstakes. Congratulations!

Received in the post today as a Classics Sweeps book - THANK YOU!! Love reading HG Wells!

Lovely collection of stories, most of which (other than the Time Machine) I hadn't read before. Lots of fantastical situations from pre-history to author's current times - enjoyable!

Left in Hanover Terrace, the building with the blue plaque for HG Wells!
*edit* - I couldn't find Hanover Terrace so left it hanging on a railing in Park Road near a bus stop. I saw a blond woman study it carefully and then take it with her, so I hope it sends a message "home" at some point!!!