The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

The Invisible Man - A Grotesque Romance is the classic science fiction/horror novel originally published in 1897, still filled with mystery and action after 127 years. It was famously made into a classic Universal film in 1932 starring Claude Rains, in which I found him too angry and violent - which is true to the central theme of this book, the scientist driven mad.

The stranger arrived on a wintry February day at the Coach and Horses in the Sussex countryside. He asked for total privacy in his room, and when his cases arrived, to work in the parlour undisturbed. Turning away, he did not remove his gloves, glasses, hat or overcoat, and bushy side whiskers masked the bandages of his face, the "result of an accident".

His luggage contained more bottles and powders than the Bramblehurst chemist shop, and of particular note were three large notebooks filled with ciphers. Rumour spreads amongst the townsfolk about this self-proclaimed "experimental investigator", especially when Mr. Cuss claims to have seen nothing within his raised sleeve! The man is soon driven out, and must try to retrieve his notebooks, with disastrous results. The countryside is upended looking for the visitor, and homes are robbed of food and money.

Luck brings him to the home of Dr. Kemp, a man of science whom the Invisible Man can explain his theories of physics, light refraction, and geometrical expressions involving four dimensions. He tells a tale of desperation, hunting the streets of London without sleep or food, and his desire for a trusted compatriot.

But this is not the end of the story. Kemp must decide if he can be helped or is raving mad. The action is just beginning, as a first day of terror is proclaimed by the Invisible Man!

This is a true classic, not 'dated' at all. Imagine reading this in 1897!

Wells builds a great momentum, and neatly breaks the fourth wall with comments to the reader. An entertaining classic which spawned countless other invisible creatures in books and film. The Universal classic had four official sequels, the story been remade many times, and inspired countless others.

A quick read and easily available in print, eBook, and audio - several sites offering it for free as it is now in the Public Domain.

My other review of H.G. Wells:

The Island of Dr. Moreau

1897 / Paperback / 192 pages