The Wheels of Chance is an early comic novel about an August 1895 cycling holiday. The Wheels of Chance was written at the height of the cycling craze (1890-1905), when practical, comfortable bicycles first became widely and cheaply available and before the rise of the automobile. The advent of the bicycle stirred sudden and profound changes in the social life of England. Even the working class could travel substantial distances, quickly and cheaply, and the very idea of travelling for pleasure became a possibility for thousands of people for the first time. This new freedom affected many. It began to weaken the rigid English class structure and it gave an especially powerful boost to the existing movement toward female emancipation. Wells explored these social changes in his story.

This eBook features the unabridged text of ‘The Wheels of Chance’ from the bestselling edition of ‘The Complete Works of H. G. Wells’. Having established their name as the leading publisher of classic literature and art, Delphi Classics produce publications that are individually crafted with superior formatting, while introducing many rare texts for the first time in digital print. The Delphi Classics edition of Wells includes original annotations and illustrations relating to the life and works of the author, as well as individual tables of contents, allowing you to navigate eBooks quickly and easily. eBook features: * The complete unabridged text of ‘The Wheels of Chance’ * Beautifully illustrated with images related to Wells’s works * Individual contents table, allowing easy navigation around the eBook * Excellent formatting of the textPlease visit www.delphiclassics.com to learn more about our wide range of titles

Mr Hoopdriver is an overworked Londoner who spends most every day servilely waiting on customers at his job as a draper's assistant. When it comes time for his annual holiday, he decides to put his newfound skills on a bicycle to the test by going on a ten-day cycling trip to the southern coast of England. A routine trip is turned upside down, however, when Hoopdriver crosses paths with Jessie, a young lady fleeing the constraints of conventional Victorian womanhood. The two cyclists eventually join up and try to help each other find a brighter future. Written at the height of the late-19th century bicycle craze and rich in geographical detail of southern England, The Wheels of Chance is a captivating portrayal of two people attempting to break free of the dreary life society has carved out for them. The novel is also among Wells's funniest works, rivalling his other comedic masterpieces such as Kipps and The History of Mr Polly. Using a copy text of the 1925 Atlantic edition of the novel, this edition includes a full introduction providing historical context on the novel and biographical information on Wells, a further reading list, detailed notes, a map of Hoopdriver's journey, a selection of contemporary reviews, and excerpts of letters by Wells relevant to the novel. The work has been specially prepared for student engagement and classroom use.

Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'The First Christmas of New England & Other Christmas Stories' showcases her talent for capturing the essence of 19th-century America through heartwarming holiday tales. Stowe's literary style is characterized by vivid descriptions, moral themes, and strong characters that resonate with readers. Set in New England, these stories provide insight into the cultural and religious traditions of the time, as well as the social issues that Stowe was passionate about, such as abolitionism and women's rights. The language is rich and detailed, transporting readers to a bygone era where Christmas was celebrated with simplicity and sincerity. Stowe's skillful storytelling and moral lessons are sure to captivate both casual readers and literary enthusiasts alike. Harriet Beecher Stowe, an influential writer and social reformer, drew inspiration from her own experiences and beliefs to craft these timeless Christmas stories. As an author who used her platform to advocate for social change, Stowe's writings remain relevant and impactful to this day. Readers interested in exploring the cultural and social landscape of 19th-century America will find 'The First Christmas of New England & Other Christmas Stories' a valuable addition to their reading list.

John Buchan's 'RICHARD HANNAY Complete Collection' is a rich compilation of 7 mystery and espionage novels featuring the iconic character Richard Hannay. The collection showcases Buchan's talent for crafting thrilling and suspenseful narratives, full of intrigue, adventure, and intricate plots. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, Buchan's writing style is characterized by its fast-paced action, sharp dialogue, and vivid descriptions of settings. Each novel in the collection offers a unique mystery for Hannay to solve, making it a captivating read from start to finish for fans of the genre. Buchan's work is a testament to his ability to engage readers with his storytelling prowess and create a sense of urgency that keeps them hooked until the very end. This collection is a must-read for those interested in classic mystery and espionage literature, as it epitomizes the genre's golden age and remains a timeless classic in the field of detective fiction.