This Norton Critical Edition includes:

The 1896 William Heinemann edition of the novel. An expansive and thought-provoking introduction, a note on the text detailing the complex publication history, and explanatory footnotes. Ten illustrations, including the 1896 frontispiece and related sources. An especially rich selection of contextual materials, topically organized: Evolution; Race, Cannibalism, and Empire; Animality, Science, and the Vivisection Debate; Literary Influences; and further writings by Wells. Twenty-six critical interpretations from early nineteenth century views to the most current critical scholarship. A chronology of Wells's life and a selected bibliography.