The Lord of the Dynamos
This novel is a science fiction tale set in a future where electricity has become the dominant force in society. The story follows a young inventor who creates a machine that can harness and control electrical energy, leading to a revolution in technology and society. The protagonist's invention sparks a series of events that lead to the rise of a new class of powerful individuals known as the "Dynamos," who use their control over electricity to manipulate and dominate others. The novel explores themes of power, corruption, and social change in a world where technology has created new opportunities for both progress and exploitation. The story is a commentary on the dangers of unchecked technological advancement and the consequences of allowing a small group of individuals to wield too much power.
By H.G. Wells · First published 1896 · Genre: Science Fiction, Horror, Psychological Fiction · 3,884 words
First lines
The chief attendant of the three dynamos that buzzed and rattled at Camberwell, and kept the electric railway going, came out of Yorkshire, and his name was James Holroyd. He was a practical electrician, but fond of whisky, a heavy, red-haired brute with irregular teeth. He doubted the existence of the deity, but accepted Carnot's cycle, and he had read Shakespeare and found him weak in chemistry. His helper came out of the mysterious East, and his name was Azuma-zi. But Holroyd called him Pooh-bah. Holroyd liked a nigger help because he would stand kicking -- a habit with Holroyd -- and did not pry into the machinery and try to learn the ways of it. Certain odd possibilities of the negro mind brought into abrupt contact with the crown of our civilisation Holroyd never fully realised, though just at the end he got some inkling of them.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lord of the Dynamos is listed on Textopian as a short story by H.G. Wells, dated 1896 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: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Horror, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy
- Length: 3,884 words
- Structure: 1 section, 44 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lord of the Dynamos 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Lord of the Dynamos?
- 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
- A Year Of Prophesying by H. G. Wells
- Oomphel In The Sky by H. Beam Piper
- World Of The Mad by Poul Anderson
- Where The World Is Quiet by Henry Kuttner
- The Stolen Body by H. G. Wells
- Naudsonce by H. Beam Piper
Genres
- Science Fiction — The story involves advanced technology and machinery, specifically focusing on the dynamo, which is central to the plot and themes.
- Horror — The narrative includes elements of fear, madness, and death, particularly through the character's obsession with the dynamo and the resulting violent events.
- Psychological Fiction — The story explores the mental state and psychological transformation of Azuma-zi, driven by his environment and experiences.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal issues such as racism, colonialism, and class struggle, as seen in the interactions between Holroyd and Azuma-zi.
Tags
Science Fiction · Steampunk · Alternate History · Adventure · Fantasy · Mystery · Invention · Industrial Revolution · London Setting · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Utopian Elements