Summary
The Door in the Wall, and Other Stories is a compelling anthology of eleven imaginative and thought-provoking short stories by H.
G.
Wells, blending psychological depth with speculative themes.
Known for his visionary science fiction, Wells uses this collection to explore the borders between reality and imagination, ambition and regret, and science and the supernatural.
Highlighted Stories:
"The Door in the Wall" – A successful politician is haunted by the memory of a magical green door he encountered as a child—a portal to a paradise he never dared to enter again.
As life progresses, he is torn between worldly success and his yearning for lost wonder.
"The Star" – A mysterious star from deep space enters the solar system, unleashing chaos and awe as Earth teeters on the edge of destruction.
"A Dream of Armageddon" – A man experiences terrifying visions of a dystopian future war and civilization's collapse, questioning fate and free will.
"The Diamond Maker" – A desperate man claims to have discovered a method to create real diamonds—but society's cynicism turns his triumph into tragedy.
"The Lord of the Dynamos" – A dark and tragic story about power, submission, and the dehumanization of individuals in the industrial age.
"The Cone" – A psychological thriller involving obsession, betrayal, and a deadly confrontation in an ironworks foundry.
"The Country of the Blind" – Also included in other Wells collections, this classic tale follows a man who stumbles upon a hidden valley where no one can see—and where his gift of sight becomes a dangerous anomaly.
Throughout the book, Wells weaves mystery, philosophical reflection, and eerie speculation, often leaving readers with lingering questions about progress, humanity, and the nature of reality.