H.G. Wells: Desperately Mortal : A Biography

by David C. Smith

This biography focuses on the literary figure's enormously active public career and his intellectual and creative achievements, reveals how this classic womanizer remained consistently attractive to feminists, and examines his relationship with pivotal figures of the age

544 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Kristen Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely astounding. Wells was not just a science fiction writer. He was a leading voice for science and humanity throughout his life, writing articles, giving speeches and really trying to keep the world from a disastrous future. A thorough study researched on extensive primary sources. Now I want to read his History, Autobiography and non-science novels.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I made it through 230/480 pages before I had to give up. Too dense and not very fun to read! All I knew about Wells was that he had written War of the Worlds so it was interesting to learn he was pretty progressive for his time, super influential and wrote a big wide range of stuff.

[C Jon Tice · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a difficult read. Mostly just a boring celebration of how popular Wells was but Smith really pushed Wells's socialist beliefs. I was surprised at how political Wells was throughout his life but that didnt interest me enough to finish the book.