Born in Bromley in Kent, England, Herbert George “H. G.” Wells (1866-1946) has been called the father of science fiction. His most notable works include The War of the Worlds (1897), The Time Machine (1895), The Invisible Man (1897), and The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896). Wells also wrote on topics related to history and social commentary and was involved in politics for much of his life. Novels like Kipps and The History of Mr. Polly, which describe lower-middle class life, led to the suggestion that he was a worthy successor to Charles Dickens. Wells died in London in August, 1946, after having lived through two World Wars.