First novel by H.G. Wells, published in book form in 1895. The novel is considered one of the earliest works of science fiction and the progenitor of the "time travel" subgenre. Wells advanced his social and political ideas in this narrative of a nameless Time Traveller who is hurtled into the year 802,701 by his elaborate ivory, crystal, and brass contraption. The world he finds is peopled by two races: the decadent Eloi, fluttery and useless, are dependent for food, clothing, and shelter on the simian subterranean Morlocks, who prey on them. The two races--whose names are borrowed from the Biblical Eli and Moloch--symbolize Wells's vision of the eventual result of unchecked capitalism: a neurasthenic upper class that would eventually be devoured by a proletariat driven to the depths. --The Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia of Literature
"This is undoubtedly the definitive edition of H.G. Wells s masterpiece, as fresh today in its imaginative power as the day it was written; but here refreshed by excellent introduction, notes and a comprehensive collection of appendices by Wells s contemporaries. The method could not be bettered." (Brian W. Aldiss, author of the Helliconia trilogy; Billion Year Spree: A History of Science Fiction and, most recently, White Mars: or, the Mind Set Free: A 21st-Century Utopia )
"This is an invaluable edition of a text with a crucial role in modern culture. Wielding his meticulous scholarship and wide-ranging knowledge, Ruddick produces a splendid introduction and a rich selection of contextual materials." (H. Bruce Franklin, author or War Stars: The Superweapon and the American Imagination and Future Perfect: American Science Fiction of the Nineteenth Century )
"Ruddick offers a wide-ranging and stimulating Introduction to this generously documented edition of one of the great source texts of modern science fiction. General readers, students, and scholars will all be grateful for the comprehensive appendices, which provide a full selection of the scientific, philosophical, and cultural contexts out of which The Time Machine first emerged. This should be the scholarly edition for some time to come." (Douglas Barbour )
"The structure of Ruddick's book makes the complexity of The Time Machine easy to map, while the critical materials provide a basis for deep and detailed study. The impressive scholarship included ensures that it will remain a useful resource for teachers, essential for libraries and especially suitable for students or newcomers to Wells' canon." (
Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts ) --Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts
"This is undoubtedly the definitive edition of H.G. Wells s masterpiece, as fresh today in its imaginative power as the day it was written; but here refreshed by excellent introduction, notes and a comprehensive collection of appendices by Wells s contemporaries. The method could not be bettered." (Brian W. Aldiss, author of the Helliconia trilogy; Billion Year Spree: A History of Science Fiction and, most recently, White Mars: or, the Mind Set Free: A 21st-Century Utopia )
"This is an invaluable edition of a text with a crucial role in modern culture. Wielding his meticulous scholarship and wide-ranging knowledge, Ruddick produces a splendid introduction and a rich selection of contextual materials." (H. Bruce Franklin, author or War Stars: The Superweapon and the American Imagination and Future Perfect: American Science Fiction of the Nineteenth Century )
"Ruddick offers a wide-ranging and stimulating Introduction to this generously documented edition of one of the great source texts of modern science fiction. General readers, students, and scholars will all be grateful for the comprehensive appendices, which provide a full selection of the scientific, philosophical, and cultural contexts out of which The Time Machine first emerged. This should be the scholarly edition for some time to come." (Douglas Barbour )
"The structure of Ruddick's book makes the complexity of The Time Machine easy to map, while the critical materials provide a basis for deep and detailed study. The impressive scholarship included ensures that it will remain a useful resource for teachers, essential for libraries and especially suitable for students or newcomers to Wells' canon." (
Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts ) --Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts
H.G. Wells (1866–1946) was a professional writer and journalist who published more than a hundred books, including novels, histories, essays, and programs for world regeneration.
Marina Warner is a prize-winning writer of fiction, criticism, and history.
Steven McLean is secretary of the H. G. Wells Society.
Patrick Parrinder has written on H. G. Wells, science fiction, and James Joyce.