Rating: 
Summary: A great classic.
Review: This is a classic tale about a researcher who, while he was the equivalent of a graduate student in physics, discovers a treatment for making himself invisible (using chemicals and mathematical expressions containing four dimensions). He quickly discovers how dependent he is on others and that he doesn't have the power he thought he would. I had always thought, based on what I had heard about the film based on this book, that the invisibility process made the researcher (Griffin) mad. However, upon reading the novel, I find that Griffin is morally and ethically bankrupt long before he takes the treatment. His initial reasons for becoming invisible is to avoid paying his rent (as he sneaks out of the building, he sets it on fire as a "lesson" for his landlord). All he thinks about is himself and to have power over others. He steals from his father who, since it wasn't his money, commits suicide. Griffin goes to the funeral simply because it is expected of him; but, he feels no remorse. He is a man who feels that the end (his power) justifies the means. Wells clearly has Griffin as the villian.
Rating:
Summary: Naked Science
Review: This is a short novel, deemed to be a classic of science fiction, and still an enjoyable read. A mysterious stranger arrives in a small village in rural Sussex and takes a room in an inn. He attracts attention due to the fact that he's completely wrapped in materials and clothes to the extent that no part of his flesh is showing. This is Griffin, who has conducted experiments which have made him invisible. The rest of the novel details Griffin's mental decay as he struggles to survive."The Invisible Man" has the classic theme of the potential and dangers of science: can humans foresee or control the consequences of their discoveries? Serious issues, even now. But "The Invisible Man" also gave Wells the chance to explore the humorous side of Griffin's tragic situation, such as the reactions of other to his invisibility and the predicaments facing him (for example, the perils of walking naked around London in January). G Rodgers
Rating: 
Summary: This is an interesting story...
Review: This is a story about a scientist, Griffin, who finds the secret to invisibility. He uses the secret formula on himself and becomes insane. It is interesting and I would recommend it to others.
Rating:
Summary: blinding horror
Review: What would you do if you were invisible? That's exactly what the main character thinks in this book.Prepare for another
sci-fi thriller written by none other than H.G. Wells. In this book the main character turns himself invisible thinking he can get away with anything. But he soon finds out ther's more than meets the eye.
This book was very interesting but wasn't a book I could't put down.The diffucult and old-style wording does get in the way but this is a great sci-fi book and for .85 cents, what have you got to lose,huh?
Rating:
Summary: A rousing good story!
Review: When a strange man, wearing bandages and dark glasses comes into town, the city of Iping, tongues begin to wag. But, when strange things begin to happen, the town soon finds itself facing a nightmare in the form of an invisible man. Mr. Griffin was never filled with the milk of human kindness, and when a scientific experiment leaves him invisible, he decides that the mores of the common people no longer apply to him. And now, now that he feels threatened by the entire world, he decides that the entire world will feel his wrath. This book is one of the crowning examples of nineteenth century fantastic fiction. It is an early work of science fiction, but it is much more than that. Mr. Wells wrote this story as something of a lesson about scientists playing God, and placing themselves above normal people. So, if you are interested in early science fiction, or in a rousing good story with a thoughtful lesson, then I highly recommend this book to you!
Rating:
Summary: Dark Side of the (Invisible)Man
Review: While "The Invisible Man" is considered one of the classics of early sci-fi, it has more in common with the existential writers of the 20th century (Camus, Satre) then with his contemporary authors (Verne, Conana Doyle, Stephenson). There is a pervading angst and cynicism running through the story that makes the science aspect of it mere backround. Hawley Griffin rivals Camus' 'Mersault' (from 'The Stranger')in indiference to his fellow man. He carries a sociopathic anger that explodes at random, casuing as much damage to himself as to others. The villagers that Griffin initially encounters are universally petty, suspicious, vindictive buffoons filled with fear and ignorance. Even the heroes (the cop at the end who fails at his John Wayne act) are not all that admirable. In fact, one tends to side with Griffin because of this fact. This is not of the same caliber as "Dr. Jeckyl" - the story is not as clever, but it is every bit as bleak. Well's vision of the future is dire: even as man stumbles upon incredible new sciences, he will simply end up destroying tohers as he does himself. As a whole, the novel does keep one's attention, though I found the ending anti-climactic. The science seems to follow a logic that could make it plausible when it was written. This inexpensive Dover Thrift edition is worth the time. Recommended.
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