Today is the 150th anniversary of the birth of H G Wells! To celebrate here are four classic illustrations from his 1897 “scientific romance” War of the Worlds (see below). H.G. didn’t like the original drawings, so these are taken from the 1906 edition. Pen and ink drawings from Henrique Alvim Corrêa.
I have a long history with H. G. Wells. I can’t remember a time I wasn’t aware of him. I grew up near his birthplace (Bromley, Kent) and regularly cycled to Bromley Central Library. I was a member of the H. G. Wells Society for many years – and worked in the building where the Society kept it’s collection (happy lunchtimes). He is a fascinating, though flawed, character. I will try to write something more substantial on him before too long. I’m currently reading multiple history books – with only a few ghost stories slipped in between.
Nerdish note: You might see quite a few new editions of the great author’s work over the coming years (at least within the EU – and some other countries – inc. Iceland, Israel and Norway). Copyright for most artistic works lasts for 70 years from the end of the calendar year in which the author dies. H.G. Wells died on 13th August 1946, so copyright in his work expires from 31 December 2016. You’re a better person for knowing that, trust me.
The Long Victorian 
I also have a long history with H G Wells, and I have to thank a particular English teacher for introducing my class to ‘The History of Mr Polly’, which I loved and which taught me early on that some authors can’t be easily classified. I should re-read – and in some cases read for the first time – his books, but now isn’t the time because I’m reading the work of Dorothy Richardson. He and she had a long entanglement, and he’s in the book I have in progress in fictional form.
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Ah, are you going to read Richardson’s Pilgrimage series? I must admit the only reason I’ve heard of it is because of the length. I’m reading The Island of Doctor Moreau, at present. And I read Frankenstein recently. So two reviews I need to do – hopefully it won’t be too tricky to make a comparison.
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I’m ten books in – reading with a small group, one volume at a time starting last December and ending this December. I’m glad I’m reading it because Dorothy Richardson isn’t quite like anyone else I’ve ever read but her fictional alter ego is wearing at times so, though I’ll miss her, I won’t be sorry to reach the end.
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I’m impressed! I shall look out for your review (assuming you do one).
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