H. G. Wells

In 'A Vision of Judgment,' H. G. Wells presents a surreal and thought-provoking scene of the afterlife, where a multitude of souls gathers to witness divine judgment. The narrator, awakened by the sound of the Last Trump, encounters historical figures and contemplates the fate that awaits them all, blending humor with existential reflection.

In 'The Valley of Spiders,' three pursuers navigate a desolate valley in search of fugitives, reflecting on the challenges of their pursuit and the harsh landscape around them. The tension builds as they confront their frustrations and the physical limitations of their quarry, particularly focusing on a bleeding girl and her slow escape. The story captures themes of desperation and the relentless nature of pursuit against a stark backdrop.

In 'Under the Knife,' H. G. Wells explores the introspective thoughts of a man contemplating his mortality as he walks home. The narrative delves into themes of emotional numbness and the complexities of human relationships, revealing a stark reflection on life and death devoid of romanticism.

In 'The Truth About Pyecraft', the narrator reflects on his uncomfortable acquaintance with the grotesquely overweight Pyecraft, who constantly seeks his attention and seems to embody a blend of imploringness and suspicion. The story unfolds in a club setting where the narrator grapples with his feelings of obligation and irritation towards Pyecraft, ultimately deciding to reveal the truth about him.

In 'The Triumphs of a Taxidermist', H. G. Wells explores the eccentric world of taxidermy through the eyes of a flamboyant taxidermist who boasts of his unusual skills and experiences. The narrative blends humor and grotesque elements, revealing the character's morbid fascination with preserving life in an unconventional manner.

In 'The Treasure in the Forest,' two men navigate a canoe towards a mysterious location marked on a weathered map, revealing a blend of adventure and intrigue. As they approach the shore, they discuss the significance of the map's markings, hinting at a hidden treasure and the cultural ties to a Chinese figure. The story unfolds in a lush, vibrant setting that contrasts the men’s tense anticipation.

In 'Through a Window,' H. G. Wells explores the life of Bailey, a man confined to a couch after an injury, who finds solace and distraction in the vibrant world outside his window. As he observes the river and its passing vessels, he becomes engrossed in their stories, reflecting on his own condition and the passage of time.

In 'The Temptation of Harringay,' H. G. Wells explores the struggles of an artist, R.M. Harringay, who grapples with the challenge of infusing life into his portrait of an organ-grinder. As he reflects on his creative process, he questions the very essence of art and imagination, revealing his insecurities about his ability to capture true vitality on canvas.

In 'The Story of the Late Mr. Elvesham,' Edward George Eden recounts his tragic tale of entanglement with a mysterious old man, reflecting on his life as a medical student and the misfortunes that have led him to this moment. The story explores themes of fate, identity, and the consequences of one's choices.

The Story of the Last Trump explores a whimsical yet profound narrative set in Heaven, where a blessed child discovers a forgotten trumpet meant for the Judgment Day. As the child plays and inadvertently drops the trumpet, the story unfolds into a reflection on innocence, curiosity, and the passage of time in the celestial realm.

In 'The Stolen Body,' Mr. Bessel, a psychical researcher, conducts experiments on thought transference and the projection of one's apparition. His attempts lead to a vivid encounter with his friend Mr. Vincey, who witnesses what he believes to be Bessel's ghostly figure, raising questions about the nature of reality and perception.

In 'The Stolen Bacillus,' a bacteriologist demonstrates the dangers of cholera bacteria to a curious visitor, revealing the thin line between scientific inquiry and potential catastrophe. The story explores themes of curiosity, danger, and the ethical implications of scientific discovery.

In 'The Star,' H. G. Wells explores the unsettling discovery of a mysterious celestial body affecting the orbit of Neptune, igniting a sense of cosmic dread and the insignificance of humanity in the vastness of space. The narrative delves into the isolation of the solar system and the implications of an unknown force approaching Earth, blending scientific inquiry with existential reflection.

In 'A Slip Under the Microscope', H. G. Wells immerses the reader in a laboratory setting filled with the remnants of scientific experimentation, where a demonstrator reflects on the hurried nature of students preparing for a lecture. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation and the remnants of past work, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding narrative. The story captures the intersection of academic rigor and the fleeting moments of student life.

In 'The Sad Story of a Dramatic Critic,' the protagonist, Egbert Craddock Cummins, grapples with a profound identity crisis as he reflects on his past and present as a dramatic critic. The narrative explores themes of self-perception, loss, and the impact of societal roles on personal identity, all while maintaining a humorous yet poignant tone.

In 'The Remarkable Case of Davidson’s Eyes', the story unfolds around Sidney Davidson, who experiences a peculiar mental aberration that leads to unsettling possibilities of intercommunication. The narrative is delivered by an eyewitness who recounts the strange events that transpired at Harlow Technical College, blending elements of suspense and the unknown.

In 'The Red Room,' a man confronts the eerie atmosphere of a haunted house, dismissing the warnings of its elderly inhabitants. As he prepares to spend the night in the ominous red room, he grapples with the psychological and supernatural terrors that may await him, challenging his skepticism about ghosts.

In 'The Reconciliation,' H. G. Wells explores the complex dynamics of friendship and resentment through the characters Temple and Findlay, who navigate their past grievances while discussing their divergent life paths. The tension between scientific ambition and personal fulfillment is palpable as they confront the remnants of their shared history.

In 'The Purple Pileus,' Mr. Coombes, disillusioned with his life and the company of others, escapes to the woods seeking solitude. His frustrations with his wife's friend, Jennie, and the chaos of his domestic life lead him to a breaking point, reflecting themes of isolation and societal discontent.

The story of Gottfried Plattner explores the tension between evidence and belief, as witnesses recount the bizarre inversion of Plattner's anatomical structure. The narrative questions the reliability of perception and the nature of reality, leaving readers to ponder the implications of the extraordinary claims made by seemingly credible witnesses.

In 'The Pearl of Love,' a young prince experiences profound joy and love with a maiden of extraordinary beauty, only to face devastating grief when she dies unexpectedly. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the philosophical interpretations of beauty and mortality, drawing on rich cultural and historical contexts from medieval Persian prose.

In 'The New Accelerator', Professor Gibberne, an eccentric inventor, discovers a revolutionary stimulant while seeking a simple remedy for lethargy. The narrative explores the profound effects of this discovery on human experience, blending humor with the implications of scientific advancement.

In 'My First Aeroplane,' H. G. Wells reflects on his youthful ambition to fly, recounting the excitement of acquiring his first aircraft in 1912. The narrative captures the spirit of early aviation and the personal journey of a young man eager to embrace the future of flight amidst societal expectations.

In 'Mr. Skelmersdale in Fairyland', H.G. Wells explores the intersection of reality and fantasy through the eyes of a doctor and a curious visitor. The story delves into the whimsical belief of a local man who claims to have visited Fairyland, contrasting modernity with quaint village life. Through a blend of humor and social commentary, Wells critiques the absurdities of human belief and the mundane aspects of rural existence.

Mr. Ledbetter’s Vacation introduces the character of Mr. Ledbetter, a mild-mannered vicar with a penchant for detail and a complex past that intertwines with the narrator's life in Jamaica. The story explores themes of friendship, societal perceptions, and the weight of secrets, all while maintaining a humorous tone.

In 'Mr. Brisher’s Treasure,' the protagonist engages in a conversation with Mr. Brisher, a man reflecting on his past relationships and a mysterious treasure he claims to have found. The narrative explores themes of trust, regret, and the complexities of human connections, all delivered with a touch of humor and irony.

The story revolves around the intense feud between two entomologists, Hapley and Professor Pawkins, highlighting the fervor and passion that can arise in the scientific community. It illustrates how personal rivalries can intertwine with professional disputes, reflecting the deep-seated emotions involved in scientific inquiry.

In 'Miss Winchelsea’s Heart,' H. G. Wells explores the aspirations and social dynamics of a young woman preparing for her journey to Rome, revealing her deep emotional investment in the city and her desire for cultural enrichment. The story captures the tension between her enthusiasm and the skepticism of those around her, highlighting themes of individuality and societal perception.

In 'The Man Who Could Work Miracles', George McWhirter Fotheringay, a skeptical clerk, unexpectedly discovers he possesses miraculous powers during a debate at a local pub. This revelation challenges his understanding of reality and the nature of miracles, leading to a series of extraordinary events that unfold as he grapples with his newfound abilities.

In 'The Lost Inheritance', a man recounts the peculiar legacy left to him by his uncle, a wealthy yet eccentric author who devoted his life to writing rather than enjoying his fortune. The story explores themes of wealth, ambition, and the often misunderstood nature of literary pursuits. Through a conversation about the uncle's choices, the narrative delves into the complexities of inheritance and the value of passion over materialism.

In 'Little Mother up the Morderberg,' H. G. Wells narrates a personal journey involving his mother and the challenges they face in the mountains. The story captures the tension between the protagonist's adventurous spirit and the conservative nature of seasoned mountaineers, highlighting themes of familial love and individualism.

In 'The Land Ironclads', H.G. Wells explores the stagnation of warfare through the eyes of a young lieutenant and a war correspondent, who reflect on the absurdity and futility of their situation as they observe the enemy's lines. The narrative captures the tension and weariness of modern conflict, highlighting the shift in warfare dynamics with the introduction of new technologies.

In 'The Jilting of Jane,' the narrator reflects on the changes brought about by the presence of Jane's young man, William, in their household. The story captures the tension between nostalgia for the past and the reality of the present, highlighting the complexities of relationships and the impact of love on domestic life.

In 'The Inexperienced Ghost,' a group of friends gathers at the Mermaid Club, where Clayton shares a tale of his encounter with a ghost. The story unfolds with a blend of humor and intrigue, as the characters react to Clayton's fantastical claim, creating a whimsical atmosphere that questions the nature of truth and storytelling.

In the Avu Observatory explores the solitary vigil of an observer, Woodhouse, as he contemplates the mysteries of the tropical night in Borneo while tending to his ailing chief, Thaddy. The story captures the tension between the vast unknown of the natural world and the limitations of human observation, set against the backdrop of a primitive observatory amidst a vibrant yet foreboding landscape.

In 'In the Abyss', two men discuss the engineering and potential dangers of a massive steel sphere designed for deep-sea exploration. Their conversation reveals both skepticism and curiosity about the limits of human ingenuity in the face of nature's immense pressures.

In 'The Hammerpond Park Burglary,' H. G. Wells explores the ambiguous nature of burglary, questioning whether it should be viewed as a sport, trade, or art. The story follows Mr. Teddy Watkins, who, under the guise of a landscape artist, plans to steal valuable items from Lady Aveling during her honeymoon, highlighting the informal and competitive nature of his illicit endeavor.

In 'The Grisly Folk', H. G. Wells explores the remnants of early human ancestors through the lens of scientific discovery, revealing the complex relationship between humanity and its primitive predecessors. The narrative delves into the significance of archaeological findings and challenges the notion of what it means to be human, emphasizing the distinction between true humans and their manlike counterparts.

In 'The Flying Man,' an Ethnologist confronts a lieutenant whose reputation has transformed him into a legendary figure among local tribes, claiming he can fly and perform incredible feats. The story explores themes of folklore, cultural misunderstanding, and the impact of colonialism on indigenous beliefs.

In 'The Flowering of the Strange Orchid', H. G. Wells explores the life of Winter-Wedderburn, a lonely man who finds solace in the speculative world of orchid auctions. As he anticipates a significant event in his mundane life, the story intertwines themes of hope, discovery, and the potential for beauty in the unexpected.

In 'Filmer', H. G. Wells explores the life of a man whose contributions to the mastery of flight are overshadowed by the myth of individual genius. The story delves into the complexities of scientific achievement, emphasizing how collective efforts are often eclipsed by the glorification of a single figure, in this case, the timid Filmer, who never flew himself yet is credited with monumental advancements in human progress.

In 'The Empire of the Ants,' Captain Gerilleau is tasked with combating a plague of ants in Brazil, leading to a reflection on the absurdity of his situation. The story explores themes of colonialism, the struggle against nature, and the complexities of identity through the captain's interactions with his crew and the local populace.

In 'A Dream of Armageddon', a chance encounter on a train leads to a profound discussion about the nature of dreams and reality. The protagonist engages with a mysterious man whose ill demeanor and cryptic insights challenge conventional understandings of dreams, suggesting a deeper, unsettling truth beneath surface perceptions.

In 'The Door in the Wall', Lionel Wallace recounts a mysterious and possibly fantastical experience that challenges the boundaries of reality and belief. The narrator grapples with the truth of Wallace's story, oscillating between skepticism and belief as he reflects on the profound implications of the tale told over a shared dinner.

In 'The Diamond Maker,' H. G. Wells presents a reflective narrative where a man encounters a mysterious figure on the Embankment of London. The story unfolds through their conversation, revealing themes of ambition, the nature of wealth, and the human condition against the backdrop of a serene night in the bustling city.

In 'A Deal In Ostriches', a taxidermist recounts a humorous incident involving an ostrich that swallows a diamond belonging to a wealthy Indian man, Sir Mohini Padishah. The story explores themes of class, entitlement, and the absurdity of the situation as the man demands the return of his lost jewel aboard a ship.

In a grimy shop near Seven Dials, a peculiar crystal egg captures the attention of a clergyman and a young man, leading to an anxious interaction with the shopkeeper, Mr. Cave. The story unfolds around the mysterious allure of the egg and the secrets it may hold, reflecting themes of curiosity and the unknown.

In 'The Cone' by H. G. Wells, a man and woman reflect on their discontent with the industrial landscape that surrounds them, contemplating an impending change. Their intimate conversation reveals a deep sense of loss and a yearning for a more beautiful world, as they grapple with the harsh realities of their environment and their relationship.

In 'A Catastrophe', H. G. Wells presents a poignant glimpse into the life of Winslow, a shopkeeper grappling with the harsh realities of his failing business. As he confronts the disheartening truth of his financial situation, the narrative explores themes of self-doubt and the pressures of economic survival in a rapidly changing world.

In 'The Beautiful Suit,' a little man cherishes a stunning suit made by his mother, which he is forbidden to wear except on special occasions. As he dreams of the suit's beauty and the joy of wearing it, he grapples with the tension between desire and preservation, ultimately reflecting on the fleeting nature of beauty and opportunity.

In 'The Argonauts of the Air,' H. G. Wells explores the ambitious endeavors of Monson, who attempts to conquer flight with his massive flying machine. Despite significant investment and public skepticism, Monson's efforts capture the imagination of onlookers, reflecting the era's fascination with technological advancement and the challenges of innovation.

In 'The Apple', a chance encounter on a train reveals a conversation between Mr. Hinchcliff, a newly matriculated student, and a mysterious stranger. The dialogue explores themes of purpose and existential contemplation, as the stranger provocatively suggests a drastic solution to an unspoken problem.

In a conversation between two men, one recounts his past experiences as an explorer, discussing the Aepyornis, a giant extinct bird, and the legal troubles he faced with his former employer. The narrative hints at themes of adventure and discovery, intertwined with a sense of nostalgia and reflection on past exploits.

In 'The Magic Shop', a father and his son Gip are drawn into a mysterious shop filled with enchanting objects that promise to astonish and delight. The story explores themes of wonder, imagination, and the innocence of childhood as Gip eagerly points out various magical items, revealing his desire for the fantastical.

In a secluded valley in the Andes, known as the Country of the Blind, a family of Peruvian half-breeds escapes tyranny, only to be cut off from the outside world by a catastrophic natural disaster. The tale of their isolation and the legend that arises from it explores themes of perception and the human condition in a world where sight is irrelevant.