Short Fiction
What is Short Fiction about?
H. G. Wells is probably best known for his imaginative longer works, such as his novels The War of the Worlds and The Invisible Man ; but he was also a prolific short story writer. This Standard Ebooks edition of his short fiction includes fifty-five of Wells’ stories, written between 1894 and 1909 and compiled from the collections The Stolen Bacillus and Other Incidents (1895), The Plattner Story and Others (1897), Tales of Time and Space (1899), Twelve Stories and a Dream (1903), The Country of the Blind and Other Stories (1911), and other sources. They are presented here in approximate order of first publication. The stories vary wildly in genre and theme, ranging from tales of domestic romance, to ghost stories and tropical adventures, to far-future science fiction. Interestingly, many of the stories deal with the exciting but also frightening prospect of heavier-than-air flight and aerial warfare, and it is worth noting that these stories were written some years before the Wright brothers first took to the air.
Main themes in Short Fiction
Scientific imagination
Scientific imagination emerges as a defining element in Short Fiction, shaping character development.
Philosophical fables
Short Fiction thoughtfully explores philosophical fables through its central conflicts.
Horror and wonder
Short Fiction thoughtfully explores horror and wonder through its central conflicts.
Social satire
The presence of social satire in Short Fiction connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Why Short Fiction is still relevant today
Wells's short stories showcase his imaginative range in concentrated form. Classics like "The Country of the Blind" and "The Door in the Wall" combine philosophical depth with narrative brilliance. Many consider his short fiction equal to his novels in achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wells's best short stories?
"The Country of the Blind" (a sighted man among the blind), "The Door in the Wall" (glimpses of paradise), and "The Star" (cosmic disaster) are masterpieces. His horror stories influenced the genre.
Are Wells's short stories science fiction?
Many are, but he also wrote fantasy, horror, and realistic stories. The best combine imaginative premises with human insight. They show his range within and beyond science fiction.
How do Wells's stories compare to his novels?
The stories achieve similar effects in compressed form. Some critics prefer the concentrated power of his best stories to his longer works. They offer excellent introduction to his imagination.
Where should I start with Wells's short fiction?
Start with "The Country of the Blind"—a perfect fable about perspective and society. "The Door in the Wall" is beautifully poignant. "The Time Machine" itself began as a short story.