The Time Machine by H. G. Wells

First published in 1895, The Time Machine won author H.G. Wells immediate recognition and has been regarded ever since as one of the great masterpieces in the literature of science fiction. It popularized the concept of time travel and introduced the concept of a "time machine" device that could travel forwards and backwards through the years. It is the story of one man’s astonishing journey beyond the conventional limits of the imagination.

One of the most renowned works of science fiction, The Time Machine reflects on the adventures of The Time Traveler - a man who constructs a machine which allows him to explore what the future has to offer. When he courageously steps out of his machine for the first time, he finds himself in the year 802,701—and everything has changed. In this unfamiliar utopian age, creatures seem to dwell together in perfect harmony. Thinking he can study these marvelous beings and unearth their secret then return to his own time, he discovers that his only avenue of escape, his invention, has been stolen.

Wells is generally credited with the popularization of the concept of time travel by using a vehicle that allows an operator to travel purposefully and selectively. The term "time machine", which was coined by Wells, is now universally used to refer to such a vehicle. The book has been adapted for a number of films and television shows, as well as inspiring other science fiction writers.

My review is broken down by topic:

Writing style: * - Not bad. It's early 1900's style writing. I have read two other books by H.G. Wells and enjoyed them. Started off slow, but still readable. Characters: ** - Under developed, but unsurprising for the time. I wanted to punch the main character. He could speak their language in less than 3 days? and found a love interest? and do all these other fantastical things? Yes, I get it, it's sci-fi, but what an infuriating man and completely illogical character. It reminded me too much of the father in Swiss Family Robinson (another horrible “classic” book) Plot Movement: - Started at **, grew up to *** near the end. Overall a ** plot speed. Plot: ** - Could have elaborated a lot more. Personally, I prefer to have the action happen in the present. Knowing from early on that the time traveler makes it back alive took away some of the excitement from the plot. Based on the time this was written, it was probably fascinating.

Overall: the second half of the book was very fast paced. I loved the pacing. H.G. Wells can build up a plot pretty well. The main character was infuriating, and the whole concept of time travel is preposterous. Still, it greatly impacted future books, films and tv shows. I have to give it credit for it's impact on society. Overall, it was a decent read, but not a book I would re-read or give space to on my shelf. (No, I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. It was a middle of the road classic for me)

I do love a time travel book. I think I would have enjoyed this a lot more if I hadn't read so many other books that derive from it.

Wow. WOW!

I did not intend to read this book all in one sitting today. I was amazed at how instantly engaging this was. Have I really not read any Wells before? I guess not, because his visionary genius and captivating storytelling would have made an impression. Sadly I think the execrable 2002 movie put me off the idea of this story; little did I know how much it disrespected its source material!

I found this required no adjustment for the time in which it was written. The language is straightforward and the story fresh. The introductory lesson in space-time dimensions drew me in right away, and on reflection is amazing for its anticipation of relativity. It's a lean story that doesn't overstay its welcome, and maintained my thirst to know what would happen next.

Finally, the latter portion treads boldly into cosmic horror, presaging Lovecraft's vision of a universe indifferent to humanity. It's downright chilling, and fantastically imaginative and bold.

Looks like I have some catching up to do with Wells's other fiction!