The writer and Oscar-winner James Hilton is best known as the author of ""Goodbye, Mr. Chips"" as well as the novel ""Lost Horizon"" in which he invented the notion of Shangri-la. This introduction to the entirety of Hilton's works, which include novels, short stories, non-fiction works, and film adaptations, gives a detailed account of his life and literary career (including a complete chronology), a listing of his works, and a key to the important characters and locations. The main body of the text is devoted to an examination of his writing, followed by a chapter devoted to adaptations of his novels into movies, including ""Lost Horizon"" and ""Random Harvest"".

"Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe" -- H.G. Wells

• "A Preface to H.G. Wells" outlines his life, cultural background and explores important places and people in his life and their effect on his writings.
• Examines main areas of critical debate regarding Wells and his work and his two most frequently discussed novels "The Time Machine" and "Tono-Bungay."
• Looks at Wells and his circle, offers short biographies, a Wells geography and examines his literary reputation.

H.G. Wells was a novelist, journalist, sociologist and historian and "A Preface to H.G. Wells" begins by outlining his life, including his childhood and education, as well as his influences. There follows a section of critical commentary which examines, among others, his science fiction and social novels, the narrative voice and particular attention is paid to "The Time Machine" and" Tono-Bungay." Concluding is an examination of his literary reputation. "'This little book is imbued with the qualities that will ensure for H G Wells a lasting place in literary history: a sense of wonder, poetic imagination, vivid narrative power and the gift of compelling belief. Above all it epitomizes that ability to create a myth of enduring relevance to the human condition which may yet prove to be his finest contribution to life and thought.'" -- From the introduction to "A Preface to H.G. Wells"

John Hammond is the founding president of the H.G. Wells Society.

John Hammond offers an introduction to the life and work of H G Wells which is of interest and value to both the student and the general reader. Although Wells is studied at undergradute level there is no introductory text available as yet, instead students can only consult full length detailed biographies. John Hammond provides a concise overview allowing the student to read Wells with greater critical appreciation and to undertand the main areas of discussion and disagreement concerning the author.

The Time Machine is one of the most important works of science fiction. It greatly influenced the genre and continues to be widely read at all levels. This reference guide overviews the novel for students and general readers. Written by a leading scholar on H.G. Wells, the volume covers all aspects of the work, including its plot, textual history, historical and intellectual contexts, themes, style, and reception. Written more than 100 years ago, H.G. Wells' first novel forever shaped the course of science fiction. Of all his vast writings, The Time Machine seems most likely to ensure his permanent place in literary history. But more than a literary work, it is now widely recognized as a key text in the history of ideas, for the notion of time travel has profoundly influenced human thought. So too, with its bleak view of the future, The Time Machine has made a seminal contribution to the ongoing debate concerning the future course of evolution. Though The Time Machine is widely read and studied, there is relatively little written about it. Prepared by a leading authority on H.G. Wells, this reference is a convenient introductory guide to the novel. It examines all aspects of the work, including its textual history, historical and intellectual contexts, themes, literary style, and critical reception. The volume also includes a detailed plot summary and an extensive bibliographic essay.