In the Days of the Comet is a science fiction novel by H.G. Wells in which the vapors of a comet are used as a device which brings about a profound and lasting transformation in the attitudes and perspectives of humankind. Herbert George is best known for his work in the science fiction genre. He was also a prolific writer in many genres, including contemporary novels, history, politics and social commentary. Together with Jules Verne, Wells has been referred to as "The Father of Science Fiction."
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In the Days of the Comet is a science fiction novel by H.G. Wells in which the vapors of a comet are used as a device which brings about a profound and lasting transformation in the attitudes and perspectives of humankind. Herbert George is best known for his work in the science fiction genre. He was also a prolific writer in many genres, including contemporary novels, history, politics and social commentary. Together with Jules Verne, Wells has been referred to as "The Father of Science Fiction."
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When I first picked up this book I thought it was going to be an apocalyptic novel. I assumed a comet hitting the earth would wreak devastation. It turned out to be a utopian novel. The comet is not a solid mass, as we know comets to be, but rather a ball of gas. This gas changes the nature of earth's atmosphere and thereby the nature of humanity. Most of the book concerns the lead character's search for revenge against the girl who jilted him. After the comet strike all such negative emotions as anger, fear, jealousy and hatred are eliminated from the human psyche. The remainder of the book is about how the narrator finds peace and happiness. There is an odd prologue in which Wells seems to be having a vision of an old man writing the story. Then there is an epilogue in which Wells is a bit taken aback at just how different the utopia is from our reality.