November Meeting, The Country of the Blind by H.G. Wells

The Book

Source: Amazon

"The Country of the Blind" by H.G. Wells is a thought-provoking short story first published in 1904. It tells the tale of Nuñez, an explorer who accidentally stumbles upon a secluded valley in the Andes where all the inhabitants are blind. Over generations, these people have lost not only their sight but also any concept of vision, creating a society where the sense of sight is unknown and considered a delusion.

Nuñez initially believes that his ability to see will make him superior in this "country of the blind." However, he quickly discovers that the people do not value his sight; they view him as the one who is impaired, and they reject his insistence on the existence of the sense of sight. Ultimately, Nuñez is forced to confront the idea that his perception of superiority might be an illusion.

The story reflects Wells' interest in questioning societal norms and challenging accepted truths. Written during a time when ideas about progress and science were rapidly evolving, the tale explores themes of perception, power, and the relativity of human experience. Wells suggests that what is considered "normal" or "true" is often dictated by social context, rather than objective reality.

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

H.G. Wells (Herbert George Wells), born on September 21, 1866, in Bromley, England, was one of t most influential writers of the early 20th century. Often referred to as the "father of science fiction," Wells is known for his imaginative works that blend scientific concepts with social commentary. His most famous novels include *The Time Machine* (1895), *The War of the Worlds* (1898), and *The Invisible Man* (1897).

Wells' writing was shaped by his deep interest in science, evolution, and human society, which he explored in his many works of fiction and non-fiction. While much of his early fame came from his science fiction, Wells also wrote short stories that delved into philosophical and societal questions, such as *"The Country of the Blind"* (1904).

Though less known than his major science fiction novels, *"The Country of the Blind"* stands as one of Wells' most insightful works. It reflects his interest in human perception, societal norms, and the limits of knowledge, themes that pervade much of his later writing. The story showcases Wells' ability to challenge the reader’s assumptions and to explore deep questions of power and human experience, contributing to his reputation as a masterful storyteller with a philosophical bent.

External interesting links - The country of the blind by HG Wells

Info about the author and his context:

> Wikipedia H.G. Wells

Info about the story:

> Wikipedia - The Country of the Blind

Links to the story and other stories, in case you are interested in further reading by the author:

> Project Gutenberg    > H.G. Wells    > The Country of the Blind, and Other Stories     > The Country of the Blind

Link to audiobook:

> LibriVox    > H.G.Wells    > The Country of the Blind, and Other Stories     > The Country of tje Blind (audio)

YouTube

YouTube - ChapterVox - The Country of the Blind