Mr. Britling Sees It Through [Paperback]

Herbert George Wells (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 30, 2007

It was the sixth day of Mr. Direck’s first visit to England, and he was at his acutest perception of differences. He found England in every way gratifying and satisfactory, and more of a contrast with things American than he had ever dared to hope.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Herbert George Wells (1866-1946) is best known today for his early science fiction tales, but he also wrote historical novels, history, and social commentary. Wells worked as a draper, a chemist, and a teacher before becoming a successful novelist. Wells wrote prophetic fiction he wrote stories of sexual freedom, suburban sprawl, and nuclear war. A committed socialist, he also wrote utopian tales and popular world history. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 380 pages
• Publisher: BiblioBazaar (January 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 142647492X
• ISBN-13: 978-1426474927
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not at all a bad book, March 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Mr. Britling Sees It Through (Hardcover)

The title says it all. "Mr. Britling Sees It Through" ... gosh, it's almost a parody of a H.G. Wells title. It's the story of how Mr. Britling makes it through World War One; although I should point out that he never once leaves England nor even, so far as I can remember, his study.

Look, I really liked this book, and I wish I could give it a higher rating; and Wells is a good enough writer to ensure that the book has some good things in it (Mr. Britling's "affair" with a theatrically emotional woman is hilarious); but in all fairness I must say that (a) Not all that much happens - I know Mr. Britling has a son at the front, but the resulting tension isn't enough to build a novel out of, and (b) There's something a touch self-indulgent about Mr. Britling's armchair angst, and so as a result (c) Wells sometimes misses the point of his own fable. But if anyone has any desire at all to read this book, I say, give in to it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wells was a wonderful writer and very talented at telling a great story..., February 6, 2010

By 

Felicity Barrington "Seeking Sunshine in Seattle" (The Wet Coast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mr. Britling Sees It Through (Paperback)

I'm a huge H.G Wells fan. On this one he steps outside the science fiction genre and gives us a compelling look into the mind of a man as he and his nation are pulled into war. It's actually very similar to the process I've seen the American psyche going through since 9-11, previously opposed to war, then whole-heartedly engaged, then questioning it.

I think this book would be a good choice for history buffs, since it does such an excellent job of showing us how things were during World War I and what the mood was like during that time.

Wells himself followed a similar course to his character. His leaned philosophically in the direction of pacifism, but when the First World War began he supported it at first, then after a while he gravitated back to his more pacifistic views.

This is an excellent book and I really enjoyed reading. Wells was a wonderful writer and very talented at telling a great story. I highly recommend this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and sometimes hilarious!, January 26, 2010

By 

Always with an open mind - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mr. Britling Sees It Through (Paperback)

I got this book as a gift from my brother. I have always loved H.G. Wells' books, and though this one is not in the same genre that I'm used to, I really loved it. It's sad and brilliant and sometimes hilarious. The message is deep and timely. Even though it's about a different war, the sentiment is still the same. What war does to the psyches of individuals and nations does not change. It unites us for a time only to eventually leave us feeling dirty. H.G. Wells shows us this process works in this excellent book. I really enjoyed reading it, and I would recommend it to anyone.