Ann Veronica (Unabridged) (ePub)

H.G. Wells, born Herbert George Wells on September 21, 1866, in Bromley, Kent, England, was a prolific writer not only of science fiction but also of novels, history, politics, social commentary, and textbooks. Educated in the sciences and a former student of the Normal School of Science in London (now part of Imperial College), Wells was influenced by his instructor, T.H. Huxley, an advocate of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. This background is evident in his scientific romances, where he explored the consequences of scientific innovations on society. Wells garnered fame for his early works such as 'The Time Machine' (1895), 'The War of the Worlds' (1898), and 'The Invisible Man' (1897), which remain enduring classics of the science fiction genre. His literary style often combines a clear, direct narrative with imaginative scenarios, allowing him to critique societal norms. In 'Ann Veronica (Unabridged)', published in 1909, Wells ventures into the territories of personal freedom and feminism. The novel's eponymous heroine, Ann Veronica Stanley, is a representation of the New Woman, challenging the stifling conventions of Edwardian England and asserting her desires for individualism and intellectual pursuit. The book, reflective of Wells's own progressive views, sparked considerable controversy at the time, with its open discussions of women's independence and sexuality. In addition to fiction, Wells's expansive oeuvre includes works of social and political commentary, such as 'Anticipations' (1901), 'The Future in America' (1906), and 'The Outline of History' (1920). Wells held that the future of mankind depended on the spread of knowledge and education, a theme that runs throughout his diverse literary contributions. He passed away on August 13, 1946, leaving behind a legacy as a visionary and a vocal proponent of human rights.