The Time Machine

By: H.G. Wells

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 3 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's Summary

"I drew a breath, set my teeth, gripped the starting lever with both hands, and went off with a thud." The time traveler is on his way to a different world -- his world, but 800,000 years in the future. He returns and recounts his journey to his friends at a dinner party.

In the future, humans called the Eloi live in simple luxury. They have become beautiful but meek, living on their safe, comfortable planet. The generations that have passed without challenge or adversity have dulled their minds. Underground machinery, built millennia ago, feeds and clothes these innocent creatures, and still functions perfectly. But who runs the machinery, and why are the Eloi afraid of the night?

©2002 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"H.G. Wells's novel The Time Machine is the greatest of all works of pure science fiction." (National Review)

Epic Story

H.G. Wells' famous story of the time machine, amazed that I've not read it until now. Listening is a transition as I go back to 19th century english, but fun. Scott Brick did a good job reading. Now, I'll search for the movies and compare them to the book, like everyone.

3 people found this helpful

Classic Sci Fi

Brilliant writing of course, plus great narration by Scott Brick. Strips away the hollywood version (which I also enjoy) with more imagination.

3 people found this helpful

Thought provoking and creative

"Nature does not tax intelligence until instinct and habit are exhausted."

The first chapter proffers a simple explanation of time travel and a brilliant discussion between dinner guests to clarify all questions. From thence starts a thought provoking experience that is fact? Fantasy? Hallucination? Mr. Wells cleverly describes situation in detail (I love this aspect of Victorian fiction) but artfully leaves much up to the reader to ponder and muse. I recommend on a cozy afternoon with some tea.

2 people found this helpful

Eh.

This was my first Wells book... and I was a little disappointed. The narrator is excellent, but I found the story to be weaker than expected. The main character is flat and underdeveloped, and I felt very un-invested throughout. If you're looking for rich storytelling, vivid imagery and multi-dimensional characters from a classic novel, Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" or "Around the World in 80 Days" are (in my opinion) much more excellent books.

If you are a Wells fan, PLEASE don’t let me discourage you from reading this book! "The Time Machine" is an entertaining story and offers great commentary on what might be the result of man's continued pursuit of comfort and ease. However, if you want to experience this story without taking the time to read it, just rent the Guy Pearce movie. It’s not necessarily better, but at least it’s shorter.

6 people found this helpful

Good story, great narration

The presentation was terrific. The narrator did a great job keeping me engaged and " in the moment."

1 person found this helpful

Good but strange.

Very good and short but strange and at times hard to follow. Worth the listen

1 person found this helpful

liked it

I liked the story. narration was great. yet sadly the story is dated. some of which don't mind even liked but not all. but nothing can be done about that.

Great classic!

Great classic for all. The ending leaves you wanting more. I wish there was another book.

great but too short

Where does The Time Machine rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

high middle

What did you like best about this story?

I liked little Weena

Which scene was your favorite?

when Weena slept beside him all cozy

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

WHEN WEENA ...SPOILER ALERT

Any additional comments?

it was a very exciting story but could have gone so much further !

Maybe if I hadn't seen the movie?

I saw the movie version with Guy Pearce and was intrigued. Listening to it, I was unimpressed. Like a lot of old books there's a lot of words, and not so much action. It is a classic and unique for its time, but I just didn't find it as thrilling as the film version. I've also listened to a few audio books with Scott Brick, and I'm not thrilled with his narrations. He's not bad, just not great either.