About this Item
H.G. Wells is remembered today as the science fiction writer who created "The War of The Worlds." Performed as a radio play, it struck panic in a large population of American people in 1938. But Wells was a very prolific writer of both fiction and non-fiction. This featured two-volume work might, in fact, be the most important work available for today's global population, who are panic struck about climate change, worldwide political movements, and other changes taking place that seem out of our control. In about 1920, he published "The Outline of History," that became at once very popular. It was translated into numerous languages and sold more than 2 million copies world-wide. Wells' purpose was to tell, "truly and clearly, in one continuous narrative, the whole story of life and mankind, so far as it is known today." He produced several revisions during his lifetime to keep it current. He worked to make sure it was written plainly for the general reader. The last revision in his lifetime was in 1937. It has many interesting perspectives on the thinking and actions of different leaders and cultures of different times. H.G. Wells, in full Herbert George Wells, (1866-1946), English novelist, journalist, sociologist, and historian best known for such science fiction novels as The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds, comic novels as well as this history. A relevant example for us today is his description of "Muhammad and Islam," which begins in Volume I, page 475 and continues into the beginning of the second volume. It would also do well for mankind of the earth today to read what Wells discovered about climate change, with no bias toward political or financial gain. Many revised versions were produced during Wells's lifetime, and the author kept notes on factual corrections he received from around the world. The last revision in his lifetime was published in 1937. In 1949 an expanded version was produced by Raymond Postgate, who extended the narrative to include the Second World War, and later revisions up to 1969. Postgate wrote that "readers wish to hear the views of Wells, not those of Postgate," and endeavoured to preserve Wells's voice throughout. This two-volume, book club edition, was revised and updated in 1961 by Raymond Postgate to bring the work up-to-date, to include World War II. Each volume is about 6? x 8 ½? x 1 ½? and bound in red paper-covered boards. This set retains the original dust jackets, which differ only by the designation of Volume I or II on the spines. The top edge of the panel across the front of each dust jacket notes "over two million copies published." Volume I runs from i-xx, then page 1 to 504; Volume II from 505 to 1027 including an extensive chronological table and index. Both volumes in this set look as if they?ve sat on the shelf for all these years, with only slight signs of shelf-wear but one major flaws or damage to volume One: half a page was torn out of end papers of volume One. Minor nicks along edges & sun faded spines of DJs. Both volumes are tight and square. There is red-tint highlighting the top edges of the pages. The text itself is complete, clean and unmarked, however a POS on ffep of Volume 1 and stain on ffep of volume 2. . The dust jackets as might be expected show a bit of shelf wear and yellowing with age. The dust jackets have tears stabilized with tape. This is a complete set of one of Wells major works. It should also be noted that Wells' talent and skill as a writer is in evidence throughout and still relevant today. Copyrights 1961, 1956, 1949, 1940, 1931 & 1921. This production is 1961 copyright, as a "Book Club Edition." Print-run info not found. Manufactured in U.S.A. No LCCN, ISBN nor MSR. Due to the oversize and weight of the book additional shipping cost may be requested/required for EXPEDITED and OUT-OF-U.S.A. shipment in accordance with destination. Seller Inventory # 007837
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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Outline of History: The Whole Story of ...
Publisher: Garden City Books, Garden City Park, NY U.S.A.
Publication Date: 1961
Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Horrabin, J.F. (Maps and Plans)
Condition: Good
Dust Jacket Condition: Good
Signed: Prior Owner Name No Value
Edition: Book Club Edition
