Herbert George Wells (1866-1946) is considered one of the pioneers of the science-fiction genre. His earliest and best-known novel is The Time Machine (1895). Wells' works always contain social criticism, reflecting his aim to realise political ideas with the help of literature. With his dystopian oeuvre, he wanted to startle his compatriots out of their Victorian self-righteousness, criticise imperialism and warn against blind optimism about progress.