H.G. Wells Unearths the Histories

H.G.Wells was both a British historian and fiction author in an era that was rapidly changing with each unfolding decade. 

Wells is sometimes referred to as the “Father of Science Fiction,” though his wider collection of work reflects his overall versatility as a writer. This man of many opinions was not afraid to express them –with modesty, of course. Wells was highly focused on  world events and predicted the consequences as the future would unfold. In the 1922 publication 

A Short History of the World, Wells does not fail to enrich the past with this unique book that finds itself in the middle of two great wars, frozen in time.

Aepyornis with Egg

H.G. Wells was insane enough to tackle one of the most difficult tasks of interpreting the ages by referring to the most prominent primary sources. As crazy as it sounds, Wells did just that. A Short History of the World reads easily like a novel, and finds its place up on the shelf under non-fiction. 

Although at times the description and interpretation seem to fall short of modern 'perspective', the timeline does hold a worthy sense of the larger picture. With this historical re-telling of the oldest civilizations and even the dawn of nature and species, Wells opens a window into his own perspective of the histories which also speaks in part for the general consensus of the people in his time period. However, Wells does not cease to add his own opinions at the most opportune moments.

I find myself enchanted by H.G. Wells when he takes on another form of writing. In the short fictional story Aepyornis Island, we find the other side of Wells that paints the scenery of Madagascar with fantastic imagery that completes the most extraordinary description. The simple humor and memorable characters within the story, mainly the elephant bird or 

aepyornis, give it a peculiar twist of excitement and discovery. Whatever it be with H.G. Wells, it is sure to entertain if nothing else.