The Temptation of Harringay

A short story by H. G. Wells, published in 1895, about an artist who paints a man’s head that comes to life and criticises his work.

Jimmy Goggles the God

Short story by H. G. Wells first published in 1898, about a treasure hunter who because of his diving suit is mistaken for a god.

The Purple Pileus

Short story by H. G. Wells first published in 1896, about a struggling small shopkeeper whose life is transformed after consuming some magic mushrooms.

The Crystal Egg

Short story by H. G. Wells first published in 1897, about a dealer in antiquities who discovers a communication device between Earth and Mars.

The Plattner Story

Short story by H. G. Wells published in 1896, about a chemistry teacher who causes an explosion that propels him into another world.

The Diamond Maker

Short story by H. G. Wells first published in 1894, about a tramp who claims to be able to make diamonds.

A Deal in Ostriches

Short story by H. G. Wells, published in 1894. A confidence trick involving an ostrich that allegedly swallowed a diamond displays the extent of human greed.

The Stolen Bacillus

Short story by H. G. Wells first published in 1894, about an anarchist who steals what he believes to be a tube of cholera bacteria to poison London’s water supply, but which is in reality harmless.

The Pearl of Love

Short story by H. G. Wells first published in 1925, about an Indian prince who, in constructing an elaborate memorial to his deceased wife, loses sight of the building’s original purpose.