Novel : The Time Machine

Author : H.G.Wells

Product Details
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Penguin Classics (May 31, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0141439971
ISBN-13: 978-0141439976
Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.5 inches

Editorial Reviews
Product Description

When a Victorian scientist propels himself into the year a.d. 802,701, he is initially delighted to find that suffering has been replaced by beauty, contentment, and peace. Entranced at first by the Eloi, an elfin species descended from man, he soon realizes that these beautiful people are simply remnants of a once-great culture—now weak and childishly afraid of the dark. They have every reason to be afraid: in deep tunnels beneath their paradise lurks another race descended from humanity—the sinister Morlocks. And when the scientist’s time machine vanishes, it becomes clear he must search these tunnels if he is ever to return to his own era.

-Includes a newly established text, a full biographical essay on Wells, a list of further reading, and detailed notes -Marina Warner’s introduction considers Wells’s development of the "scientific romance" and places the novel in the context of its time

About the Author

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.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars

One of the greatest books I've ever read--get this edition!, July 25, 2005
By Polymath (Ithaca NY USA)

When I tried reading this book as a child many, many years ago, some of the "big" words and allusions made it hard going, and I never completed it then. Finally, about fifteen years ago I did read it through, but still was missing something. Then, a few weeks ago, I got this edition, after having enjoyed the Penguin edition of "The War of the Worlds" with its annotations and map. Well, the annotations in this edition (about four pages worth as endnotes) of "The Time Machine" cleared away whatever fuzz remained, and I was completely overcome by the greatness of the book, great from whatever way I looked at it: plot, speculation, characters, "sense of wonder", even throw away humor were all topnotch. I couldn't believe what I'd been missing. A few days later, I read another editon of the book that didn't have notes, and had no trouble following that version. I plan to reread the book again shortly. So if you've had difficulty reading "The Time Machine" for some of the reasons mentioned above, get this version pronto and find out what a true classic is.