The Invisible Man

The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells (1897)

A scientist discovers the secret of invisibility — then discovers that being unseen drives him to madness and murder. A chilling exploration of power without accountability.

Historical Significance:
Published in 1897, the same year as The War of the Worlds, The Invisible Man cemented Wells' reputation as a master of scientific horror. Griffin, the invisible scientist, begins as a sympathetic figure — a brilliant man driven to extreme measures — but invisibility corrupts him absolutely. Wells was exploring a theme that would define the 20th century: what happens when technology outpaces morality? The 1933 Universal film starring Claude Rains was a landmark in special effects. The concept has been adapted into dozens of films, most recently Leigh Whannell's 2020 horror thriller.

This public domain classic was originally published in 1897. Free to read and share.