Biblioteche dell'Alto Adige

Abstract: The story is an early example of Contemporary fantasy (not yet recognized, at the time, as a specific sub-genre). In common with later works falling within this definition, the story places a major fantasy premise (a wizard with enormous, virtually unlimited magic power) not in an exotic semi-Medieval setting but in the drab routine daily life of suburban London, very familiar to Wells himself.

Abstract: The story's main characters are a pair of casual paranormal researchers who are experimenting with the idea of astral projection. One night, one of them inadvertently succeeds in projecting his spirit from his body, which is then taken possession of by a malevolent entity in his absence.

Abstract: Thirty uniquely frightening and strange stories from the master of science fiction H. G. Well, the author of the Invisible Man and The War of the Worlds. A treasury from a master of science fiction contains thirty of his best short stories that combine his remarkable imagination with scientific knowledge to create fantastic adventures in unknown worlds. HG Wells was an incredibly prolific writer who contributed short stories in a variety of genres, including science fiction, dystopian fiction, and gothic horror. Originally published in 1897, Thirty Strange Stories contains tales like "The Triumphs of a Taxidermist", "Pollock and the Porroh Man", "The Story of the Late Mr. Elvesham", and "The Stolen Bacillus". "The Red Room" is the horrifying story of a man trapped in a haunted room, but it is never made clear what it is that haunts the room. Thirty Strange Stories offers an engaging collection of H. G. Wells' short fiction.

Abstract: An adventurous scientist constructs a device that allows travel through time. Propelling himself into the distant future, he finds Earth populated by two distinct species: the gentle Eloi and the fearsome Morlocks. As he navigates this futuristic landscape, he unravels the dark truth about humanity's fate. A pioneering work of science fiction, this tale explores themes of evolution, class division, and the inherent curiosity that drives mankind to seek the unknown.

Abstract: Earth faces an unprecedented threat when Mars launches a ruthless invasion. The story, told through the eyes of an unnamed protagonist and his brother, unfolds the chilling tale of humanity's struggle against the seemingly invincible Martian war machines. As society collapses in panic and desperation, the survivors must find a way to outwit their technologically superior enemies. This classic science fiction novel explores themes of evolution, imperialism, and survival, holding a mirror to the vulnerabilities of mankind and the indomitable spirit to live through unimaginable horrors.

Abstract: Shipwreck survivor Edward Prendick finds refuge on a remote island, only to discover the horrifying experiments of the enigmatic Dr. Moreau. Here, Moreau plays god, transforming animals into grotesque, human-like creatures through vivisection. As Prendick uncovers the truth behind Moreau's "Beast Folk," he confronts the ethical limits of science and the thin line between man and beast. A chilling exploration of morality, evolution, and the perils of playing with nature.

Abstract: Griffin, a brilliant scientist, discovers the secret to invisibility but cannot reverse it. Shrouded in bandages and cloaked in secrecy, he seeks refuge in a small English village, where his initial hope for recovery spirals into madness. As Griffin's power grows, so does his disconnect from humanity, leading to a path of terror and desperation. Wells explores the dark side of ambition and the invisibility of the alienated soul.

Abstract: The story follows a confident young man determined to debunk the myths surrounding a reportedly haunted room in Lorraine Castle. Armed with only candles, he enters the red room, convinced that fear is purely psychological. However, as darkness encroaches and his candles begin to extinguish one by one, his skepticism wanes, giving way to an enveloping terror. Wells masterfully explores the shadows that dwell in the corners of the human mind, revealing that sometimes, the greatest fear is fear itself.

Abstract: Graham, an insomniac, succumbs to a drug-induced slumber, waking up two centuries later to discover he has unwittingly become the richest and most influential man in the world. The future, however, is bleak—a dystopian society where the elite oppress the masses under a pseudo-utopian facade. Thrust into the role of a messiah for the disenfranchised, Graham grapples with the moral complexities of his unintended empire, seeking to dismantle the very system that enshrines him, in a desperate bid for societal redemption and true freedom.

Abstract: A prophetic novel that envisions a future revolutionized by the discovery of nuclear energy. The narrative unfolds the catastrophic and transformative effects of atomic technology, released in a devastating world war, leading humanity to the brink of self-destruction. From the ashes of global conflict, a new social order emerges, striving towards a utopian society free from the chains of nationalism and war. Wells masterfully explores themes of power, progress, and the potential for humanity's rebirth or its ultimate downfall in the face of unparalleled technological advancements.

Abstract: Lionel Wallace, a successful but unhappy politician who reminisces about a magical door he discovered in a wall as a child. This door led him to an enchanted garden, a place of wondrous beauty and joy, which he has since longed to find again. As he navigates his disillusioned adult life, Wallace is haunted by the memory of this garden and the fulfillment it represents. This tale beautifully explores the universal themes of lost innocence, the yearning for a simpler, happier existence, and the conflict between duty and personal desire.

Abstract: "The Star" by H.G. Wells is a compelling short story that explores humanity's place in the universe through the sudden appearance of a rogue star hurtling towards the solar system. As it nears Earth, the star's gravitational pull causes widespread devastation, altering climates and landscapes, and prompting deep reflections on the fragility of human existence. Amidst the chaos, people from different walks of life grapple with the imminent threat, showcasing a range of human reactions from despair to resilience. Wells masterfully uses this cosmic event to highlight the interconnectedness of all beings and the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of existential dread.

Abstract: In "A Dream of Armageddon," H.G. Wells weaves a prophetic vision of the future where love and war collide with catastrophic consequences. The protagonist recounts a recurring dream in which he is a high-ranking official who abandons his position and responsibilities for a passionate love affair. As their idyllic existence unfolds, the world outside moves inexorably toward a devastating global conflict. This tale masterfully juxtaposes personal happiness against the backdrop of societal collapse, exploring the intricate relationship between individual choices and the larger forces of history and destiny. Wells challenges the reader to consider the costs of personal fulfillment in the shadow of collective doom.

Abstract: In H.G. Wells' gripping tale "The Cone," a visceral story of revenge unfolds within the industrial setting of an ironworks. The narrative follows Horrocks, the ironworks manager, as he guides his friend Raut through the smoky, infernal landscape of his domain. Unbeknownst to Raut, Horrocks is aware of an affair between Raut and his wife. The tour takes a dark turn as Horrocks, fueled by betrayal and rage, leads Raut to the mouth of a gigantic smelting furnace—the cone. Wells masterfully builds tension, culminating in a shocking, tragic climax that explores themes of passion, jealousy, and the destructive power of human emotions.

Abstract: In H.G. Wells' short story "A Moonlight Fable," we meet a young boy whose mother gives him a beautiful, silver-white suit, instructing him to save it for a special occasion. The boy, enchanted by the suit's beauty, dons it one moonlit night, drawn by the desire to experience its magic. Against the surreal backdrop of the moonlit landscape, the boy embarks on a whimsical adventure, seeking freedom and transcendence. However, his innocent act of rebellion leads to an unexpected, poignant conclusion. Wells crafts a fable about the fleeting nature of beauty and the bittersweet pangs of youth, love, and loss.

Abstract: As I sit writing in my study, I can hear our Jane bumping her way downstairs with a brush and dust-pan. She used in the old days to sing hymn tunes, or the British national song for the time being, to these instruments, but latterly she has been silent and even careful over her work. Time was when I prayed with fervour for such silence, and my wife with sighs for such care.

Abstract: An anarchist intent on wreaking havoc throughout London steals a sample of deadly virus from an unsuspecting scientist.

Abstract: The buying of orchids always has in it a certain speculative flavour. You have before you the brown shrivelled lump of tissue, and for the rest you must trust your judgment, or the auctioneer, or your good luck, as your taste may incline. The plant may be moribund or dead, or it may be just a respectable purchase, fair value for your money, or perhaps—for the thing has happened again and again.

Abstract: The observatory at Avu, in Borneo, stands on the spur of the mountain. To the north rises the old crater, black at night against the unfathomable blue of the sky. From the little circular building, with its mushroom dome, the slopes plunge steeply downward into the black mysteries of the tropical forest beneath. The little house in which the observer and his assistant live is about fifty yards from the observatory, and beyond this are the huts of their native attendants.

Abstract: Butcher, employed by a collector, is engaged in finding Aepyornis eggs. He is looking for them in a swamp on the east coast of Madagascar, helped by two native assistants in a canoe who are probing the mud with rods. They find several whole eggs but one is dropped, apparently when an assistant is bitten by something.