H. G. Wells 
Select Conversations with an Uncle 

‘Select Conversations with an Uncle’ is H.G. Wells’ first book. It is a collection of fourteen humorous conversations between a man and his newly wealthy uncle. These short stories are more grounded than Wells’ later science-fiction work, but they portray the same values and ideals that influence his celebrated novels. This deeply personal collection gives the reader invaluable insight into Wells’ character and his views on topics from marriage to art. While these short conversations are intimate, Wells’ unique and witty prose ensures that they are always entertaining. The best exchanges include the lovelorn tale of ‘La Belle Dame Sans Merci’ and ‘On Social Music’ in which the uncle comically complains about a neighbour playing the piano poorly. Drifting between playful and poignant ‘Select Conversations with an Uncle’ is the perfect read for fans of Wells or conversational literature such as Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Decay of Lying’.-