Star-Begotten by H.G. Wells (1946)

Name: Star-Begotten
Author: H.G. Wells

The novel follows Joseph Davis, a Londoner who begins to suspect that he and others around him are being subjected to a mysterious experiment. He discovers that a group of scientists have been sending rays of cosmic energy to Earth in an attempt to create a new race of superhumans. Joseph's suspicions are confirmed when he meets a mysterious stranger who reveals the truth about the experiment. The stranger tells Joseph that he is one of the chosen few who have been chosen to be part of the experiment, and that he must help the scientists in their mission. Joseph is initially reluctant to accept his role, but eventually decides to help the scientists in their quest. He travels to various parts of the world, gathering evidence and trying to convince others of the truth of the experiment. The novel follows Joseph's journey as he discovers more about the experiment and its implications for humanity. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including a scientist who is trying to stop the experiment, a woman who is trying to protect her son from the experiment, and a mysterious figure who may be the mastermind behind the experiment. In the end, Joseph must decide whether to help the scientists in their mission or to try to stop them.

By H.G. Wells · First published 1946 · Genre: Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Mystery · 40 chapters · 36,306 words

First lines

It is an open question how freely an obstetrician should talk to the husband of his patient. Dr. Holdman Stedding erred perhaps on the communicative side. It may be he should have realized more promptly that Mr. Joseph Davis was troubled in his imagination, and he should have exercised more care than he did in avoiding topics that might intensify his imaginative disturbance. Yet it may be pleaded in extenuation that it was Mr. Davis who started the subject of these mysterious extra-terrestrial radiations and that it was Dr. Holdman Stedding who was taken by surprise with a novel idea. He too had his imaginative side. He liked novel ideas and there was just that streak of scientific curiosity and communicativeness in him which impairs discretion.

What this Textopian page supports

Star-Begotten is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.G. Wells, dated 1946 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: H.G. Wells
Date: 1946 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy
Length: 36,306 words
Structure: 40 chapters, 1,332 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The novel follows a man's journey to uncover the truth behind a mysterious cosmic phenomenon that is causing people to be born with strange abilities.
Speculative Fiction — The novel explores the implications of a mysterious cosmic phenomenon and its potential to alter the course of human evolution.
Mystery — The protagonist is on a quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious cosmic phenomenon and its implications for humanity.
Fantasy — The novel features elements of fantasy, such as the mysterious cosmic phenomenon and its potential to alter the course of human evolution.