Building Cosmopolis

John S. Partington, University of Reading, UK

• Contents: Introduction; Liberal internationalism, 'ethical evolution' and cosmopolitan socialism; The death of the static: H.G. Wells and the kinetic Utopia; From 'the larger synthesis' to the League of Free Nations; Educational reform from The Outline of History to the 'permanent world encyclopaedia'; From the League of Nations to the functional world state; Human rights and public accountability in the functional world state; The forgotten cosmopolitan: H.G. Wells and postwar transnationalism; Postscript: Mind at the end of its tether?; Bibliography; Index.

'Mr Partington's book should be bought and read by all Wellsians.' The H.G. Wells Newsletter 'Here is an excellent book on Wells's political philosophy... a most stimulating and fascinating contribution by a Reading scholar...' Cahiers Victoriens et Edouardiens 'Partington has perused an impressive range of sources and archive material, including essays, fictional works, lectures and radio talks, and extensive footnotes offer a wide range of additional information... Since this well-informed and sometimes controversial study offers many new and interesting insights into the complex oeuvre of Herbert G. Wells, it deserves to find a wide readership.' The European English Messenger 'Wells's remarkable intellectual evolution - from his origins as an internationalist to his fruition as a functionalist - has been rendered here with great depth and eloquence.' The Futurist '...undoubtedly a major contribution to Wellsian studies... deserves to become the first port of call for those seriously interested in exploring the origin, development and influence of Wells's political thought.' Science Fiction Studies ’... sets a new standard for Wells studies... The breadth of Partington's scope is remarkable... Students of Wellsian thought or those only curious about Wells' political ideas should not be without this important work.’ The Undying Fire