The Wheels of Chance

This novel was written at the peak of what has been called the Golden Age of the bicycle-the years of 1890-1905 when practical, comfortable bicycles first became widely and cheaply available, and before the rise of the automobile. The advent of the bicycle stirred sudden and profound changes in the social life of England. It was unprecedented that a person of modest means could travel substantial distances, quickly, cheaply and without being limited to railway schedules. The very idea of travelling for pleasure became a possibility for thousands of people for the first time. This new freedom affected many. It began to weaken the rigid English class structure and it gave an especially powerful boost to the existing movement toward female emancipation.

H.G. Wells, born on September 21, 1866, in Bromley, England, became one of the most influential English writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Often referred to as the "father of science fiction," his works like The War of the Worlds (1898) and The Time Machine (1895) introduced pioneering ideas about time travel, alien invasions, and humanity's future. His writings often tackled social issues, including class inequality, technology, and human progress, blending adventure with philosophical exploration.Wells studied biology at the Normal School of Science in London under Thomas Henry Huxley and worked as a teacher before turning to writing. His early novels were shaped by scientific advancements and often warned of the potential dangers of unchecked experimentation. Works like The Invisible Man (1897) and The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896) explored the moral and ethical consequences of science, while his utopian writings envisioned a more ideal future.Beyond fiction, Wells was an outspoken political activist, advocating for social reforms and global peace. He critiqued capitalism and imperialism in works like The Shape of Things to Come (1933), outlining his vision for a world government. Despite some political setbacks, Wells continued to shape literature and political thought, leaving a legacy that still influences science fiction and speculative writing today.