The Correspondence of H.G. Wells: Volume 3 1919-1934

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: 572 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, including the invaluable papers of Wells' daughter, Amber Reeves. Comprising over 2,000 letters, the book offers a glimpse into the private life of the renowned author. While some letters are of a business nature, addressed to publishers, agents, and secretaries, the majority are deeply personal and revealing. Wells' private correspondence extends to prominent figures such as President Franklin Roosevelt, Prime Ministers Winston Churchill, and A.J. Balfour, as well as individuals like 'Mark Benney,' who drew inspiration from his life in the slums and prison experiences for his novels. Additionally, there are letters exchanged with his numerous female friends and lovers, including Rebecca West, Eileen Power, Gertrude Stein, Marie Stopes, Lilah MacCarthy, and Dorothy Richardson. One particularly poignant letter from Moura Budberg, with whom Wells had a long-standing affair, sheds light on their situation when she announces her pregnancy and plans to have an abortion. It highlights the complexities of a proponent of birth control, as Wells himself becomes entangled in a situation he had previously advocated against. Wells also maintained a lively correspondence with the press, particularly during the two World Wars and his involvement with BBC officials and the production of his films. His letters delve into various social and political topics, including free love, socialism, birth control, the Fabian Society, and the curriculum of the new London University in the 1890s. Interwoven chronologically with Wells' letters are a selection of approximately 40 letters addressed to him, where his own letters are not extant. Among these are 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 (1878–1900), Volume 2 (1901–1912), Volume 3 (1913–1930), and Volume 4 (1930–1946). 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 timeless masterpieces continue to captivate readers and scholars alike, showcasing Wells' visionary imagination and profound social commentary.

Weight: 1061g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367765484