The Invisible Man (Dover Thrift Editions) [Paperback]

H. G. Wells (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up | Series: Dover Thrift Editions

One of the most famous scientific fantasies ever written, this highly imaginative tale focuses on the powers and bold ventures of a scientist, who, after discovering the means to make himself invisible, unleashes a bizarre streak of terror on the inhabitants of an English village. Filled with suspense and psychological nuances of plot.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Scott Brick has performed on film, television and radio. His stage appearances throughout the U.S. include Cyrano, Hamlet, and MacBeth. He's read over 150 audiobooks in four years-for that, AudioFile magazine named Scott "a rising and shining star" and awarded him as one of the magazine's Golden Voices. The Audie- and Earphone Award-winning actor has read several Macmillan Audio audioBooks, including Dune: The Butlerian Jihad and Dune: The Machine Crusade by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. In addition to his acting work, Scott choreographs fight sequences, and was a combatant in films such as Romeo and Juliet, The Fantasticks and Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

Herbert George Wells's (1866-1946) career as an author was fostered by a childhood mishap. He broke his leg and spent his convalescence reading every book he could find. Wells earned a scholarship at the Norman School of Science in London. Wells's "science fiction" (although he never called it such) was influenced by his interest in biology. H. G. Wells gained fame with his first novel, "The Time Machine (1895)." He followed this with "The Island of Dr. Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), " and "The War Of The Worlds (1898)."

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From AudioFile

When a bandage-swathed stranger books a room in an English village inn, no one realizes this is the beginning of a reign of terror. It's not long before they do! For the Invisible Man is dwelling under that roof, and he is one angry, irascible, and frustrated scientist with little patience for humanity. It may be he was antisocial to begin with, but his invisibility, and the danger and delight it brings him, push him to the brink of madness. Masterfully portrayed by Scott Brick--each of his characterizations is an actorly tour de force--THE INVISIBLE MAN fascinates and mesmerizes, until it's gone. D.J.B. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (February 5, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486270718
• ISBN-13: 978-0486270715
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,132 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( W ) > Wells, H.G.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great classic., June 4, 1999

By 

R. D. Allison ([e-mail]) (Gainesville, Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Invisible Man (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

This is a classic tale about a researcher who, while he was the equivalent of a graduate student in physics, discovers a treatment for making himself invisible (using chemicals and mathematical expressions containing four dimensions). He quickly discovers how dependent he is on others and that he doesn't have the power he thought he would. I had always thought, based on what I had heard about the film based on this book, that the invisibility process made the researcher (Griffin) mad. However, upon reading the novel, I find that Griffin is morally and ethically bankrupt long before he takes the treatment. His initial reasons for becoming invisible is to avoid paying his rent (as he sneaks out of the building, he sets it on fire as a "lesson" for his landlord). All he thinks about is himself and to have power over others. He steals from his father who, since it wasn't his money, commits suicide. Griffin goes to the funeral simply because it is expected of him; but, he feels no remorse. He is a man who feels that the end (his power) justifies the means. Wells clearly has Griffin as the villian.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A rousing good story!, January 22, 2003

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Invisible Man (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

When a strange man, wearing bandages and dark glasses comes into town, the city of Iping, tongues begin to wag. But, when strange things begin to happen, the town soon finds itself facing a nightmare in the form of an invisible man. Mr. Griffin was never filled with the milk of human kindness, and when a scientific experiment leaves him invisible, he decides that the mores of the common people no longer apply to him. And now, now that he feels threatened by the entire world, he decides that the entire world will feel his wrath.

This book is one of the crowning examples of nineteenth century fantastic fiction. It is an early work of science fiction, but it is much more than that. Mr. Wells wrote this story as something of a lesson about scientists playing God, and placing themselves above normal people. So, if you are interested in early science fiction, or in a rousing good story with a thoughtful lesson, then I highly recommend this book to you!

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My favorite book by H.G. Wells, April 30, 2001

By 

Michael Legg (Rolling Meadows, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Invisible Man (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

I have read most of the popular works of H.G. Wells (The Time Machine, The War of the Worlds, The First Men in the Moon, and The Island of Dr. Moreau) and this was my favorite. The Invisible Man is an entertaining book, but what it really makes you think about is WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU COULD GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING? Is man inherently EVIL, and simply obeys the constraints of society because he is afraid of getting caught, or is man inherently good? This is the question that Wells tries to answer in this book, and you'll find the book well worth the time. I recommend this book to all lovers of good science fiction; enjoy!