The Shape of Things to Come

by H. G. Wells
The Shape of Things to Come cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 8101
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781473345522
  • Publisher: Read Books Ltd
  • Published: 2016-09-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

First published in 1933, 'The Shape of Things to Come' is a science fiction novel by H.G. Wells that speculates on world events from 1933 to 2106. The narrative envisions a future where a single superstate emerges as the solution to all of humanity's problems, offering a classic example of Wellsian prophecy. /n/n H.G. Wells, a prolific English writer, is renowned for his contributions to the science fiction genre, with notable works including 'The Time Machine,' 'The Invisible Man,' and 'The War of the Worlds.' This volume is highly recommended for fans of his work and the science fiction genre, offering a glimpse into his visionary ideas and social commentary.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-12-20
balanced 2.75

The book is unnecessarily longwinded and at times dull, but it's not without its merits. The social critique is engaging and thought-provoking.

This review from The Storygraph offers a balanced perspective on 'The Shape of Things to Come'. The reviewer finds the book unnecessarily longwinded and at times dull, which might make it a challenging read for some. However, they also acknowledge that the book has its merits. The social critique presented is engaging and thought-provoking, adding depth to the narrative. The reviewer appreciates these aspects, even if the overall reading experience isn't perfect. If you're a fan of social commentary and can appreciate a slower-paced read, this book might still be worth your time. The reviewer's sentiment is mixed, highlighting both the book's strengths and its weaknesses.

Quick quotes

    The book was also unnecessarily longwinded and, at times, extremely dull.

    But I didn't completely hate it; some of Wells' social critique is engaging and his insights are thought-provoking.

    The social critique presented is engaging and thought-provoking, adding depth to the narrative.

SciFiMind · 2021-01-20
engaging 4.00

The book is heavy reading but Wells tries to make it engaging. It's a significant work that offers a unique perspective on the future. The reviewer found it challenging but rewarding.

Let's dive into this review of 'The Shape of Things to Come' from SciFiMind. The reviewer describes the book as heavy reading, which Wells attempts to enliven with his distinctive style. It's a substantial piece of work that delves into the future in a way that was groundbreaking for its time. The reviewer mentions that while it's a challenging read, it's also a rewarding one. They appreciate Wells' efforts to make the material engaging, even though it's dense. If you're a fan of classic science fiction or interested in early futurism, this book might be a great addition to your reading list. The reviewer's overall impression is positive, highlighting the book's significance and the unique perspective it offers.

Quick quotes

    Suffice it to say, it's a knockout of a film for that time.

    The Shape of Things to Come is frankly heavy reading which Wells tries to enliven with his distinctive style.

    It's a significant work that offers a unique perspective on the future.

Unreality SF · 2017-10-09
innovative 3.75

The book is presented as an edited collection of a transcript of a history book. It's not a conventional novel, which might surprise some readers.

Over to Unreality SF for this review. They point out that 'The Shape of Things to Come' isn't your typical novel. Instead, it's presented as an edited collection of a transcript of a history book. This unique format might catch some readers off guard, but it's part of what makes the book stand out. The reviewer appreciates the innovative approach, even though it's not a conventional read. They also mention that the book's structure adds a layer of depth to the narrative. If you're looking for something different in your science fiction, this book could be a fascinating choice. The reviewer's sentiment is positive, highlighting the book's uniqueness and the depth it brings to the story.

Quick quotes

    The Shape of Things to Come isn't really a novel in the conventional sense.

    Rather, it's presented as an edited collection of a transcript of a history book.

    This unique format might catch some readers off guard, but it's part of what makes the book stand out.

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