Tag: science-fiction

H.G. Wells

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Herbert George Wells, known as H.G. Wells, was a prominent English writer born on September 21, 1866, in Bromley, Kent, England. He is best known for his science fiction novels and works of social commentary. Wells was born into a working-class family. He struggled with health issues and financial constraints throughout his childhood. Despite facing challenges, Wells won a scholarship to the Normal School of Science in London, where he studied under Thomas Henry Huxley. He later earned a degree in biology.

Wells began his writing career as a novelist and journalist. He gained fame with works like “The Time Machine” (1895), “The Invisible Man” (1897), and “The War of the Worlds” (1898), which established him as a pioneer of science fiction. In addition to his science fiction, Wells wrote extensively on social and political issues. Works like “The War in the Air” (1908) and “The Shape of Things to Come” (1933) reflected his concerns about humanity’s future. He was known for his unconventional personal life. He had numerous affairs and marriages, including his relationship with writer Rebecca West. As he grew older, Wells’ writing shifted towards non-fiction and social criticism. He continued to write and lecture on various topics until his death. He is considered one of the founding fathers of science fiction and a key figure in the genre’s development. His works have had a lasting impact on popular culture and continue to be studied and adapted today.

H.G. Wells passed away on August 13, 1946, in London, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that has inspired generations of writers and readers. 

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Jules Verne

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Jules Verne, born on February 8, 1828, in Nantes, France, was a prominent French writer known for pioneering science fiction and adventure novels. He is often referred to as the “Father of Science Fiction.” Verne’s works have significantly impacted the literary genre and have inspired countless authors, filmmakers, and inventors.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1870) – This novel follows the adventures of Captain Nemo and his submarine, the Nautilus, as they explore the ocean’s depths.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (1864) – This novel tells the story of a group of explorers who journey deep into the Earth’s interior, encountering strange creatures and landscapes.

Around the World in Eighty Days (1873) – This novel follows the adventures of Phileas Fogg as he attempts to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days.

From the Earth to the Moon (1865) – This novel explores the possibility of space travel and follows a group of adventurers as they attempt to launch a projectile to the moon.

Jules Verne’s works were known for their detailed descriptions of scientific concepts and technologies, many of which were ahead of their time. He had a deep interest in geography, exploration, and technology, which is reflected in his stories. Verne’s ability to combine scientific accuracy with imaginative storytelling set him apart from other writers of his time. Jules Verne passed away on March 24, 1905, in Amiens, France. Despite facing some criticism during his lifetime for his speculative ideas, his works have since become classics of science fiction literature and continue to be widely read and adapted into various forms of media. 

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Mary Shelley

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Mary Shelley, born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin on August 30, 1797, in London, England, had a life filled with tragedy, creativity, and literary accomplishment. Mary was the daughter of the feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft and the political philosopher William Godwin. Her mother died shortly after her birth, and Mary was brought up by her father and stepmother. In 1814, at 16, Mary met the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who was married then. They fell in love and eloped to Europe in 1814 with Mary’s stepsister, Claire Clairmont. During the summer of 1816, Mary, Percy, Claire, and Lord Byron spent time together in Geneva, Switzerland. During this time, Mary conceived the idea for her most famous work, “Frankenstein.” The novel was published anonymously in 1818.

Mary experienced significant personal tragedies throughout her life. She lost several children to illness or premature death, and Percy Shelley drowned in a boating accident in 1822. Despite the challenges she faced, Mary Shelley continued to write and publish works of fiction. She also edited and promoted her late husband’s poetry. Mary Shelley died in London on February 1, 1851, at 53. Mary Shelley’s legacy endures through her groundbreaking novel “Frankenstein,” which continues to captivate readers and inspire adaptations in various forms of media. She is celebrated as a pioneering figure in the science fiction genre and a vital voice of the Romantic era. 

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