Maps of Utopia: H. G. Wells, Modernity, and the End of Culture

This is the first study of the literary theories of H. G. Wells, the founding father of English science fiction and once the most widely-read writer in the world. It explores his entire career, during which he produced popular science, educational theory, history, politics, and prophecy, as well as realist, experimental, and science fiction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 02 April 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press

H. G. Wells, a renowned writer of the 20th century, has garnered immense popularity, yet the aesthetics of his work have remained largely unexplored. Maps of Utopia delves into the comprehensive span of Wells's writing career, spanning six decades, during which he crafted a diverse range of genres, including popular science, educational theory, history, politics, prophecy, and utopia. This book poses profound questions about Wells's conception of literature and its intended purpose.

Wells formulated a literary aesthetic grounded in scientific principles, with the ultimate goal of improving the world both in the present and for future generations. Unlike Henry James, with whom he engaged in a renowned debate, Wells sought to utilize literature as a means to actively contribute to the betterment of human lives. His vision was to establish the World State, a utopian society that he believed was humanity's sole alternative to self-destruction. This ambitious project departed significantly from the aims of his late-Victorian contemporaries and had far-reaching consequences for the nature of his writing and his subsequent critical reception.

Maps of Utopia commences by delving into the late-Victorian debate that emerged in response to the widespread literacy brought about by the 1870-71 Education Acts. It examines Wells's most renowned scientific romances, such as The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds, as well as significant social novels like Tono-Bungay. The study also explores less well-known texts, including The Sea Lady, Boon, and Wells's journalism and political writings. The journey concludes with his cinematic collaboration, The Shape of Things to Come, and The Outline of History, Wells's best-selling book during his lifetime.

Through meticulous analysis and interpretation, Maps of Utopia sheds light on the rich tapestry of Wells's literary contributions and offers valuable insights into his artistic vision. It underscores his unwavering commitment to using literature as a tool for social change and his profound belief in the transformative power of utopian ideas. This book is a testament to the enduring legacy of H. G. Wells as a visionary writer and a thinker who left an indelible mark on the literary and cultural landscape of the 20th century.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198833772