H.G. Wells, often referred to as the “father of science fiction,” had a fascinating origin story that shaped his career as one of the most influential writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born Herbert George Wells on September 21, 1866, in Bromley, Kent, England, his early life was marked by financial struggles and a thirst for knowledge that would define his literary voice.

Wells was the youngest of four children in a working-class family. His father, a shopkeeper and professional cricketer, struggled to make ends meet, and his mother worked as a housekeeper to support the family. Despite these challenges, Wells demonstrated an early interest in books and storytelling. A pivotal moment in his childhood occurred when he broke his leg at age seven. Confined to bed, Wells immersed himself in books borrowed from the library of the wealthy family for whom his mother worked. This period ignited his imagination and set the stage for his love of literature.

After his father’s business failed, Wells left school at age 14 to work as a draper’s apprentice, a job he found stifling and dehumanizing. This experience later inspired his critique of social inequality in works like The Time Machine. Determined to escape a life of manual labor, Wells earned a scholarship to the Normal School of Science in London, where he studied biology under the renowned scientist Thomas Henry Huxley. Huxley’s teachings on evolution and the scientific method deeply influenced Wells, shaping his views on human progress, technology, and society.

Wells began his writing career as a journalist and tutor, but his breakthrough came in 1895 with the publication of The Time Machine. This novella, which explores themes of class struggle and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement, established Wells as a pioneer of speculative fiction. Over the next decade, he published a string of now-classic novels, including The War of the Worlds, The Invisible Man, and The Island of Doctor Moreau. Each work combined scientific ideas with compelling narratives, challenging readers to consider the ethical and societal implications of technological progress.

Wells’s personal life was as unconventional as his writing. An advocate for free love and social reform, he was an outspoken critic of Victorian morality and a supporter of socialism. He used his fiction to address issues such as inequality, imperialism, and the potential for science to either uplift or destroy humanity.

The origin story of H.G. Wells is one of resilience, curiosity, and ambition. From a modest upbringing to the heights of literary fame, Wells’s journey is a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring relevance of questioning the world around us. His works continue to inspire readers and writers, cementing his legacy as a visionary who dared to dream of the future.

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