Collection: H. G. Wells Books

Few writers moved as freely between imagination and social conscience as H. G. Wells, equally at home writing about invading Martians as he was dissecting the class system of Edwardian England. His range is part of what makes him such a rewarding author to collect, since two editions from the same shelf can read like they were written by entirely different novelists. For more twentieth century voices, our Classic Literature collection is worth exploring too.

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H. G. Wells Books: vintage and antique editions

“Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe.”

— H. G. Wells, The Outline of History

There's a genuine thrill in holding an early edition of a writer who helped invent an entire genre, knowing the ideas inside were still new to the world when the ink first dried. It's the kind of connection you don't get from a modern reprint, however faithful the text, since the book itself has been part of the story for over a century.

What's currently listed reflects the range of Wells' writing, from his early scientific romances to the social novels he wrote later in his career, and changes as new titles come in.

Each book is inspected and described individually, so you know exactly what you're getting before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What H. G. Wells books do you have in stock?

Our H. G. Wells stock changes regularly as genuine copies come in, spanning both his early scientific romances and his later social novels.

What are H. G. Wells' most famous books?

He's best known for his early scientific romances, though he also wrote extensively about social and political themes later in his career.

Is there a collected or selected works of H. G. Wells?

Various publishers have issued collected editions over the years. When we have one in stock it's listed individually with full details, since editions vary considerably in scope and condition.

Do you have first editions of H. G. Wells' books?

When we do, they're listed individually with full details on printing, condition and provenance rather than grouped generically.

How much are vintage H. G. Wells books worth?

Value depends heavily on edition, printing and condition, so we don't offer general valuations, but we're happy to advise on a specific book you're considering.

What condition are your H. G. Wells books in?

Every book is inspected and its condition described honestly in the listing, from well-read reading copies to finer collector's copies.

Do you sell H. G. Wells books as gifts?

Yes, a well-kept edition makes a thoughtful gift for anyone interested in classic science fiction or early twentieth century literature.

What other twentieth century authors do you stock?

Our George Orwell Books and Evelyn Waugh Books collections cover more of the period.