Wells Meets Deleuze: The Scientific Romances Reconsidered (Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy, 57)

The writings of H.G. Wells have had a profound influence on literary and cinematic depictions of the present and the possible future, and modern science fiction continues to be indebted to his “scientific romances,” such as The Time Machine, The War of the Worlds and The Island of Doctor Moreau . Interpreted and adapted for more than a century, Wells’s texts have resisted easy categorization and are perennial subjects for emerging critical and theoretical perspectives. The author examines Wells’s works through the post-structuralist philosophy of Gilles Deleuze. Via this critical perspective, concepts now synonymous with science fiction—such as time travel, alien invasion and transhumanism—demonstrate the intrinsic relevance of Wells to the genre and contemporary thought. Dedication 8 Acknowledgments 9 Table of Contents 10 Preface 12 Abbreviations 14 Introduction: Wells, Deleuze and Science Fiction 15 1. The Island of Doctor Moreau: Transhumanism, Spaces and Becoming 50 2. The War of the Worlds: Martians, Cyborgs and Bodies Without Organs 83 3. The Time Machine: Time Travel, Crystals and Nomads 117 4. H. G. Wells: Conceptual Personae, Minor Writing and Eternal Return 148 Appendix A: Fictional Portrayals of H. G. Wells 170 Appendix B: Wells and Deleuze: Chronology of Publications Cited 176 Chapter Notes 179 Bibliography 189 Filmography 210 Index 212 Interpreted and adapted for more than a century, H.G. Wells' texts have resisted easy categorization and are perennial subjects for emerging critical and theoretical perspectives. The author examines Wells' works through the post-structuralist philosophy of Gilles Deleuze. Via this critical perspective, concepts now synonymous with science fiction demonstrate the intrinsic relevance of Wells. "The author examines Well's works through the poststructuralist philosophy of Gilles Deleuze. Concepts now synonymous with science fiction--such as time travel, alien invasion and transhumanism--demonstrate Wells's intrinsic relevance to the science fiction genre and contemporary thought"-- Provided by publisher "The author examines Well's works through the poststructuralist philosophy of Gilles Deleuze. Concepts now synonymous with science fiction ... such as time travel, alien invasion and transhumanism ... demonstrate Wells's intrinsic relevance to the science fiction genre and contemporary thought" ..