The New Machiavelli is a 1911 novel by H. G. Wells (first serialized in The English Review in 1910). Because its plot notoriously derived from Wells s affair with Amber Reeves and satirized Beatrice and Sidney Webb, it was the literary scandal of its day. The novel tells of a political idealist who changes his colours and engages in a sexual adventure. The novel s principal themes are politics and sex, both abiding preoccupations of the author. Biographer David Smith called The New Machiavelli Wells s most autobiographical novel. The novel has had many prestigious admirers. Joseph Conrad called it a master-work, Upton Sinclair considered it Wells s masterpiece, and D.H. Lawrence called it awfully interesting. Herbert George H. G. Wells (1866-1946) was an English writer, now best known for his work in the science fiction genre. He was also a prolific writer in many other genres, including contemporary novels, history, politics and social commentary, even writing textbooks and rules for war games. Wells is one person sometimes called The Father of Science Fiction , as are Jules Verne and Hugo Gernsback. His most notable science fiction works include The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, The Invisible Man and The Island of Doctor Moreau.
