The World Set Free

Written in 1913 and published for the first time the following year, this ominous, future book was profoundly predictive. Many of Wells' previous works provide as evidence of his brilliance and vision, but this one is unquestionably among his greatest. Years before research had started, he foresees nuclear war and details the chain reactions and radiation that will occur. He really used the phrase "atomic bombs" when describing a weapon that could destroy everything for kilometres when used from the air. This book presented many more concepts that would finally be realised, and it may have served as at least some of the initial inspiration for the creation of atomic weapons.