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.

Mr. Skelmersdale in Fairyland

Short story by H. G. Wells first published in 1901, about a young man who falls asleep one midsummer’s night and wakes to find himself in Fairyland.

Aepyornis Island

Short story by H. G. Wells, first published in 1894, which can be read as a Robinsonade, a parable on the theme of loneliness, or simply a ripping yarn in the manner of Rudyard Kipling.

Through a Window

Short story by H. G. Wells, first published in 1894, a precursor to the sub-genre of thriller in which a crippled or bed-ridden hero, after observing the world through a window, is suddenly confronted by a killer.

The Beautiful Suit

Short story by H. G. Wells, first published in Collier’s Weekly in April 1909 under the title “A Moonlight Fable”, in which an exquisitely tailored suit leads to the death of its owner.