Book details
The World Set Free
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Stored record
Metadata
- Gutenberg ID
- —
- Title
- The World Set Free
- Language
- en
- Book source
- Global Grey
- Description max 80 words
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Set against the backdrop of a global catastrophe caused by atomic warfare, this speculative novel envisions a future where humanity faces extinction but rallies to unify under a single world government. Wells explores the transition from nationalistic destruction to a new era of scientific progress and social reconstruction, offering a hopeful yet urgent plea for international cooperation to save the human race.
- Summary up to 500 words
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Written in 1913 and published in 1914 under the looming shadow of the Great War, H. G. Wells' *The World Set Free* presents a dystopian vision where the discovery of atomic energy transforms warfare into a global conflagration. By 1956, the world is devastated by 'crimson conflagrations,' with cities burning, governments collapsing, and millions perishing. In this chaos, a visionary figure named Leblanc proposes a radical solution: the unification of all nations under a single government to prevent further destruction. The narrative follows the gathering of world leaders, including the rebellious King Egbert, to a conference in neutral Switzerland. They must decide whether to surrender sovereignty or face total annihilation. The story depicts the transition from the 'old game' of imperial rivalry to a new phase where science and reason override national pride. Through the eyes of the protagonist Marcus Karenin, the novel examines the evolution of human potential, from mastering fire to manipulating heredity and psychology. It suggests that as humanity conquers physical limitations, it must also overcome egotism to achieve a 'human commonweal.' The text concludes with the death of Marcus Karenin, symbolizing the shedding of the old individual self to make way for a collective, unified human spirit ready to venture into space and reshape the destiny of the species. Wells argues that separate sovereign states are no longer possible in a world of atomic power, and that the only path to survival is a bold, resolute effort toward a unified human commonweal, a dream that remains elusive but essential for the race's future.
- LLM editorial rating
- 4.2/5
- Download URL
- https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/h-g-wells_world-set-free.epub
- Local file path
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data/epubs/url-ff3de59761871419.epub - Downloaded at
- 2026-06-29 20:27 UTC
People
Authors
- H. G. Wells
Classification
Categories
- Fiction
- Science Fiction
- Dystopian Fiction