The World Set Free

Herbert George "H. G." Wells (21 September 1866 – 13 August 1946)was an English writer, now best known for his work in the science fiction genre. He was also a rolific writer in many other genres, including contemporary novels, history, politics and social commentary, even writing textbooks and rules for war games.Excerpt-THE history of mankind is the history of the attainment of external power. Man is the tool-using, fire-making animal. From the outset of his terrestrial career we find him supplementing the natural strength and bodily weapons of a beast by the heat of burning and the rough implement of stone. So he passed beyond the ape. From that he expands. Presently he added to himself the power of the horse and the ox, he borrowed the carrying strength of water and the driving force of the wind, he quickened his fire by blowing, and his simple tools, pointed first with copper and then with iron, increased and varied and became more elaborate and efficient.