Recently re-printed in a hardback on the S.F. Masterworks series, I was compelled to buy it. The other H.G. Wells which I have read are Time Machine, War of the Worlds, and Island of Dr Moreau. This is written in the same style, with a Victorian feel throughout the pages. I am starting to feel that H.G. Wells had a definate distrust for science (scientists), whilst having an imagination of science that far surpassed those of the scientific profession at the time. This story seems like a warning to meddling in nature, using a different method to Island of Dr. Moreau. The scientist in that novel was all out nasty and mad, whereas the scientists in this book are quite good chaps with an honest belief in improving the world.

So... a couple of scientists invent a food which makes everything grow to enormous sizes. We have giant plants, insects, and eventually giant children. The world doesn't want it, and effectively goes to war against the giants. How will it all end, eh?

The best way to read H.G. Wells is to do your best stuffy Victorian accent, and read aloud as if on stage! It is fun. Although, like me, you will stumble and struggle through the rural accents and yokel slangisms. Once you have the feel of the style of dialogue, it becomes quite witty and sharp. Or not, depending on your taste.

I have only given this two stars because it just bored me after a while. It didn't really conclude with any purpose. Maybe it is supposed to leave the reader with worrying questions about the future of science etc. The whole book feels a little too wooden and old fashioned for my tastes. Sometimes I felt like speed reading and page jumping, but I stuck with it.

I have to remind myself that the book is 100 years old, and should be read with that in mind. God bless the old genius of scientific adventure. War of the Worlds is better though.