The Passionate Friends is written as if addressed to Stephen Stratton's eldest son, who is presently on the verge of adolescence. Stephen is the only child of a rector who loses his faith due to Darwinism. The Passionate Friends is notable as the first introduction of Wells's notion of individuals to achieve a world state through an "open conspiracy against potentates and prejudices and all the separating powers of darkness." Herbert George "H. G." Wells was an English writer best known for his work in science fiction. He was also a prolific writer in many other genres, including contemporary novels, history, politics and social commentary, even writing textbooks and rules for war games. His most notable science fiction works include The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, The Invisible Man and The Island of Doctor Moreau.