Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul
Sep 2022 · DigiCat
Ebook
274
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About this ebook
In 'Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul,' H.G. Wells turns his incisive gaze away from the fantastical and the scientific to the social stratification and inner life of a seemingly unremarkable man. This character study-cum-social critique blends Wells's acute awareness of Edwardian class distinctions with his knack for compelling narratives. With an unadorned literary style, Wells chronicles the life of Arthur Kipps, an orphan raised by his aunt and uncle, whose simple existence is upended by an unexpected inheritance. The novel's prose elucidates the intricate ironies of social mobility, seen through the eyes of someone unprepared for the trappings of wealth. The DigiCat Publishing edition honors this legacy, delivering the narrative with the scholarly respect it commands, alongside the convenience of modern formats. It is a literary work that deserves a place within the broader conversation about class and identity in the early 20th century. Herbert George Wells, most renowned for his works of science fiction, was a prolific writer whose social commentary often took a backseat to his more popular speculative narratives. Despite this, 'Kipps' showcases Wells's deep contemplation on the nature of his contemporary society, particularly the rigid class system of Edwardian England. Drawing perhaps on his own upbringing in a lower-middle-class family and his subsequent ascension into literary fame, Wells imbues the novel with genuine empathy and critical perspectives on societal roles and expectations. This edition of 'Kipps' by DigiCat Publishing is both a testament to Wells's literary prowess and a compelling invitation to readers interested in exploring the subtleties of character and society in early 20th-century literature. It is recommended for readers who appreciate thoughtful examinations of human nature, those fascinated by period pieces that offer more than mere nostalgia, and anyone seeking to understand the human dimension beneath the veneer of social stratification. 'Kipps' is not merely a novel—it is Wells speaking directly to the continuous human struggle with the constructs of class and the quest for personal identity.
About the author
H. G. Wells, born Herbert George Wells on September 21, 1866, in Kent, England, has been one of the most influential science fiction writers in literature. His ingenious extrapolation of scientific ideas and insightful social commentary distinguish his work. Wells's literary endeavors went beyond the realm of the fantastic and the futuristic; he also engaged in the crafting of novels more grounded in social realism, such as 'Kipps' (1905), which offers a critique of the class system of his time through the life of Arthur Kipps, an orphan who ascends the social ladder after acquiring sudden wealth. Wells's ability to fuse social criticism with a compelling narrative is evident in his other books like 'The Time Machine' (1895) and 'The War of the Worlds' (1898), which also speculate on the potential consequences of scientific and societal developments. Referred to as 'The Father of Science Fiction', Wells's contributions to the genre alongside contemporaries like Jules Verne have been seminal, informing not just literature but also shaping the modern vision of time travel and extraterrestrial life. He was a member of the Fabian Society and his leanings towards socialism informed much of his work, both fiction and non-fiction. Wells passed away on August 13, 1946, having left a vast and varied literary legacy that continues to spark the imagination of readers and writers alike.
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