Helle-Biblio

‘The Future in America’ is a travelogue that contains the impressions of H. G. Wells from his visits to the United States as well as his unique views on subjects like corruption, injustice, and social relations. The author provides a balanced and insightful view of early 20th century America, praising its progressiveness and creativity. On the other hand, Wells’ sharp wit never fails to criticise unfair labour practices and racial issues. Wells met with suffragette Jane Addams, civil rights activist Booker T. Washington, and President Theodore Roosevelt during his travels and he provides incredible insight into their beliefs. ‘The Future in America’ remains relevant as many of the issues discussed still plague modern society and the prescient Wells predicted that America would become a country divided between ‘rich and poor’. Wells provides beautiful descriptions of his travels while discussing larger themes with nuance and a unique perspective. This book is the perfect read for fans of Anthony Bourdain or John Steinbeck.

H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was a celebrated English writer, remembered mostly for his science fiction works. Often described as a futurist, H. G. Wells’ influence cannot be overstated for his works foresaw many technological innovations such as space travel, the atomic bomb, and the Internet. A four-time Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, Wells explored a wide array of themes in his works, from religion to social criticism and beyond. Some of his best works include the time-travel novel ‘The Time Machine’, the sci-fi adventure novel ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’, and the mankind-versus-aliens novel ‘The War of the Worlds’. Wells occupies one of the central seats in the canon of science-fiction literature and his writing inspired other celebrated authors such as Ray Bradbury and Philip K. Dick. Wells’ stories are still widely read to this day and have had numerous cinematic adaptations including ‘The Invisible Man’ starring Elisabeth Moss.