H. G. Wells, born on 21 September 1866 in Bromley, Kent, England, died on 13 August 1946 in London, was an English writer, journalist, sociologist and historian, known as a pioneer of science fiction literature. At the age of 14, he began an apprenticeship as a draper, studied biology with a student of Darwin, founded a scientific journal and was already successful with his first novel, The Time Machine. As a draughtsman, he illustrated the covers of his books himself and invented games that are now fashionable under the name War Games. He later collaborated with Julian Huxley, the brother of the author of Brave New World, on extensive essays. His major works include The War of the Worlds, The Invisible Man and The Island of Dr Moreau.