The Correspondence of H.G. Wells: Volume 1 1880-1903

H.G. Wells' correspondence is collected in this book, spanning over 2,000 letters from various archives and libraries worldwide. It includes personal letters to President Franklin Roosevelt, Prime Ministers Winston Churchill, and A.J. Balfour, as well as female friends and lovers such as Rebecca West, Eileen Power, Gertrude Stein, Marie Stopes, Lilah MacCarthy, and Dorothy Richardson. The book also contains letters to the press, BBC officials, and others involved in his films and controversies such as free love, socialism, birth control, and the Fabian Society. The letters are arranged chronologically, spanning from 1878 to 1946.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This extensive collection of H.G. Wells' correspondence spans over 50 archives and libraries worldwide, encompassing the papers of Wells' daughter, Amber Reeves. Comprising over 2,000 letters, the book offers a glimpse into the personal realm of the renowned author. While some letters are of a business nature, addressed to publishers, agents, and secretaries, the majority delve into the more intimate aspects of Wells' life. His private correspondence extends to notable figures such as President Franklin Roosevelt, Prime Ministers Winston Churchill, and A.J. Balfour, as well as individuals like 'Mark Benney, known for his novels that drew from his experiences in the slums and prison. Additionally, Wells maintained close relationships with numerous female friends and lovers, including Rebecca West, Eileen Power, Gertrude Stein, Marie Stopes, Lilah MacCarthy, and Dorothy Richardson. Among these correspondences, a letter from Moura Budberg, with whom Wells had a long-standing affair, reveals her impending pregnancy and her decision to undergo an abortion, highlighting the complexities of an advocate of birth control. Wells also engaged in lively correspondence with the press, particularly during the two World Wars, as well as with BBC officials and individuals involved in his film projects.

Interspersed chronologically within Wells' letters are a select few letters addressed to him, where his own letters are not extant. These include letters from notable figures such as Ray Lankester, Joseph Conrad, C.G. Jung, Trotsky, Hedy Gatternigg (the woman who attempted suicide in Wells' flat), and J.C. Smuts. The letters are organized into four volumes: Volume 1 spans 1878–1900, Volume 2 covers 1901–1912, Volume 3 extends from 1913 to 1930, and Volume 4 concludes with correspondence from 1930 to 1946.

H.G. Wells' literary contributions are widely recognized, with notable works including "The Time Machine" (1895), "The Invisible Man" (1897), and "The War of the Worlds" (1898). These captivating tales and thought-provoking essays continue to captivate readers to this day, showcasing Wells' visionary imagination and his profound insights into the human condition.

Weight: 952g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367765385