Mr. H. G Wells Reveals Himself

Abstract

A CURIOUS post-War phenomenon is the spate of autobiographies and “ought-not-to-biographies” issuing from tiie publishers. The diapason of the War resounds in these books. Silent and abashed, we stand before the cenotaph. Some dream-child whispers: “What did you do, daddy, in the Great War? “The hand gropes for the fountain-pen. Others, like Elihu, the son of Barachel, feel their bellies as wine which hath no vent, ready to burst. “I will speak that I may be refreshed.” Mr. H. G. Wells's reason is akin to Elihu's “to clear and relieve my mind”. He explains that he has spent a large part of his life's energy “in a drive to make a practically applicable science out of history and sociology” (p. 26). A jewel has formed in his head and “through its crystalline clearness, a plainer vision of human possibilities, and the condition of their attain ment appears” leading to “an undreamt-of fullness, freedom and happiness within reach of our species”. Vast changes in the educational, economic and directive structure of society will be necessary. Details are reserved for the second volume to be published in a few weeks.

Experiment in Autobiography: Discoveries and Conclusions of a Very Ordinary Brain (since 1866).

By H. G. Wells. Vol. 1. Pp. 414 + 8 plates. (London: Victor Gollancz, Ltd., and The Cresset Press, Ltd., 1934.) 10s. 6d. net.