Select Conversations with an Uncle (Now Extinct) and Two Other Reminiscences

Book excerpt: First published in 1895, "Select Conversations with an Uncle" constitutes Wells' first literary publication in the form of a book. It comprises accounts of twelve fictional conversations with a witty uncle who has recently come back from South Africa, returning with some degree of affluence. It also contains two other conversations on aestheticism and physiognomy entitled "A Misunderstood Artist" and "The Man with a Nose" respectively. Contents include: "Of Conversation And The Anatomy Of Fashion", "The Theory Of The Perpetual Discomfort Of Humanity", "The Use Of Ideals", "The Art Of Being Photographed", "Bagshot's Mural Decorations", "On Social Music", "The Joys Of Being Engaged", "La Belle Dame Sans Merci", "On A Tricycle", "An Unsuspected", "Masterpiece", and more. Herbert George Wells (1866 - 1946) was a prolific English writer who wrote in a variety of genres, including the novel, politics, history, and social commentary. Today, he is perhaps best remembered for his contributions to the science fiction genre thanks to such novels as "The Time Machine" (1895), "The Invisible Man" (1897), and "The War of the Worlds" (1898). Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.