The Crystal Egg by H.G. Wells (1897)
A young man discovers a mysterious crystal egg that allows him to see distant events and places. He becomes obsessed with the device, using it to spy on people and gain knowledge of the world beyond his own. However, he soon realizes that the egg's power comes at a terrible cost, and he must confront the consequences of his actions.
By H.G. Wells · First published 1897 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery · 7,791 words
First lines
There was, until a year ago, a little and very grimy-looking shop near Seven Dials, over which, in weather-worn yellow lettering, the name of "C. Cave, Naturalist and Dealer in Antiquities," was inscribed. The contents of its window were curiously variegated. They comprised some elephant tusks and an imperfect set of chessmen, beads and weapons, a box of eyes, two skulls of tigers and one human, several moth-eaten stuffed monkeys (one holding a lamp), an old-fashioned cabinet, a fly-blown ostrich egg or so, some fishing-tackle, and an extraordinarily dirty, empty glass fish-tank. There was also, at the moment the story begins, a mass of crystal, worked into the shape of an egg and brilliantly polished. And at that two people who stood outside the window were looking, one of them a tall, thin clergyman, the other a black-bearded young man of dusky complexion and unobtrusive costume.
What this Textopian page supports
The Crystal Egg is listed on Textopian as a short story by H.G. Wells, dated 1897 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: H.G. Wells
- Date: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Horror, Adventure
- Length: 7,791 words
- Structure: 1 section, 69 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Crystal Egg by H.G. Wells
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Crystal Egg?
- How does this short story by H.G. Wells fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Dark Other by Stanley G. Weinbaum
- City Of The Living Flame by Henry Hasse
- Heel by Philip Jose Farmer
- Where The World Is Quiet by Henry Kuttner
- Nobody Saw The Ship by Murray Leinster
- Tony And The Beetles by Philip K. Dick
Genres
- Science Fiction — The story involves elements of otherworldly technology and exploration of Mars, fitting the science fiction genre.
- Fantasy — The narrative includes fantastical elements such as visions and a mysterious crystal with magical properties.
- Mystery — The plot revolves around the enigmatic nature of the crystal egg and the secrets it holds.
- Horror — There are elements of suspense and the unknown, particularly in the eerie visions and the fate of Mr. Cave.
Tags
Science Fiction · Short Story · First-Person Narrative · Fantasy · Speculative Fiction · Early 20th Century Literature · British Literature · Insectoid Aliens · Alien Invasion · Social Commentary · Class Satire · Psychological Insight