H. G. Wells's earlier works of science fiction have retained their popularity for nearly a century. In recent years they have also won academic regard for integrating the fantastic with the realistic to produce challenging alien perspectives. The influence of Wells's science fiction— virtually inescapable for writers who specialize in the genre—extends to such distinguished authors as Yevgeny Zamyatin, George Orwell, Jorge Luis Borges, and William Golding. Wells's two outstanding comic novels possess a vitality and social awareness akin to those of Dickens. His social novels, the most substantial of which is Tono-Bungay (1908), offer an ambitious account of their period, incorporating many imaginative and journalistic insights. In addition to works of fiction, he produced many discursive books, pamphlets, and articles: notably, the best-selling Outline of History (1919-1920). He has been described as the most serious of the popular writers and the most popular of the serious writers of his time.
