The Sleeper Awakes (ePub)

Herbert George Wells, commonly known as H. G. Wells (1866-1946), was an iconic figure in the field of literature, particularly known for his contributions to the science fiction genre. Wells was born to a working-class family in Bromley, Kent, and despite a limited education in his early years, his talent as a writer became apparent through his creative works. He pursued his studies with the help of scholarships, and his academic endeavors led him to the Normal School of Science in London, where he was taught by T.H. Huxley, an experience that significantly influenced his scientific thinking and literary expressions. Wells' breadth of knowledge is reflected in his writing, which transcresents simple narrative to engage with social commentary and futuristic visions. He penned numerous novels, of which 'The Sleeper Awakes' (1910) stands out as a seminal work in the dystopian science fiction subgenre. In this novel, Wells explores themes of social injustice and the corrupting influence of power through the story of a man who awakens from a two-century slumber into a drastically changed and stratified society. Wells is also renowned for other significant contributions to literature, including 'The War of the Worlds' (1898), 'The Time Machine' (1895), and 'The Invisible Man' (1897), which further exhibit his extraordinary ability to blend imaginative speculation with the scientific knowledge of his time. His work notably paved the way for future science fiction writers and remains influential in discussions of speculative futures to this day.