From the author of The Time Machine, The Invisible Man, and other classics: A witty novel set in 1920s London about our need to believe in something.   In the wake of the destruction and chaos of the First World War, Christina Alberta’s stepfather, retired and recently widowed, has come to the conclusion that he is the incarnation of an ancient Sumerian king. This novel by the legendary H. G. Wells follows Mr. Preemby as he pursues his special destiny and is eventually locked in an asylum, and Christina as she tries to make sense of his delusions—meanwhile attempting to understand her own life and the world around her.   A blend of satire, social commentary, and philosophy, this is an unusual and fascinating work by the author best known for his science fiction classics and extraordinary influence on twentieth-century culture.