The Soul of a Bishop (ePub)

Herbert George Wells, known more prominently as H. G. Wells (1866-1946), was a prolific English writer who penned an array of works in various genres, including science fiction, realism, and satire. His literary style often intertwined social commentary with visionary narrative, a method that set the groundwork for modern science fiction literature. With a keen focus on forward-thinking themes and sociopolitical issues, Wells's works frequently explored the implications of scientific advancements and utopian societies. Notably, this author of 'The War of the Worlds' and 'The Time Machine' has been hailed as a father of science fiction, alongside contemporaries Jules Verne and Hugo Gernsback. 'The Soul of a Bishop' (1917), although less renowned than some of his science fiction milestones, is a reflective piece that melds the autobiographical with the speculative, examining the crises of faith of a bishop in the turmoil of World War I. In this work, Wells delves into the psychological and spiritual struggle of his protagonist, mirroring his own critique of organized religion and exploration of personal spirituality. Wells's contribution to literature extends beyond the page; his prescient ideas have shaped not only the genre of science fiction but also have had a lasting impact on 20th-century thought and the trajectory of literary modernism.