Herbert George Wells
The War of the Worlds
In the late 19th century, humans remain oblivious to the existential threat posed by Martians, who, from their dying planet, survey Earth with plans for conquest. The arrival of the Martians results in chaotic battles, leading to mass destruction and a desperate exodus from cities, yet their downfall is facilitated by Earthly bacteria, to which they lack immunity. Ultimately, humanity's struggle for survival highlights their vulnerability, while the lessons learned from this cataclysmic encounter shape future perspectives on life beyond Earth.
The Time Machine
The Time Traveller introduces a concept of time as a fourth dimension and reveals his invention of a time machine, leading to his journey into the future. He discovers a world inhabited by two distinct human species: the gentle Eloi and the predatory Morlocks, creating a grim societal dynamic. Ultimately, he struggles for survival after being trapped in this dystopian reality, questioning humanity's future while holding onto memories of his own time.