Trained in science and as a teacher, H. G. Wells (1866–1946) harbored a passionate concern for political issues. Wells's interests are reflected in his pioneering works of science fiction, which involve time travel, space exploration, alien invasion, and experiments gone awry. A century later, his tales of obsession, revelation, and discovery remain compellingly readable and relevant.

This anthology offers readers complete and unabridged versions of Wells's most influential novels: The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, The Island of Dr. Moreau, and The Invisible Man. In addition, five famous short stories include "The Country of the Blind," "The Purple Pileus," "The Crystal Egg," "The Door in the Wall," and the first tale to address bio-terrorism, "The Stolen Bacillus."