As with most H. G. Well’s titles this book establishes the another stable of the science fiction genre. The book itself is a short read and presents the concept of time travel in an interesting way.
The main character travels to a futuristic place and despite common expectations ends up in a less than utopian society. Humanity has split into two different species that now exist subterranean and above ground with vastly different physiological and cultural characteristics. The protagonist being trapped in a time line which he himself hasn’t anticipated scurries in distress to secure his return to the present while becoming acquainted with the rather naive surface dwelling folk.
The biological perspective turns out to be the most interesting aspect of this story. The abundance of resources in this period has lead to a reversal of evolutionary principles. While an overall decrease of physical capabilities has set in on the surface, the subterraneans have become increasingly ruthless and pose a reasonable threat to the peaceful inhabitants and even to the protagonist. It seems all of them have apparently lost their sex dimorphism for a lack of environmental pressure. Though both strains of mankind have become rather dull minded over the years, understandably to the dismay of the protagonist.
This book does earn its place in the row of science fiction classics. For today’s standards it is nothing spectacular but Well’s feat does stand up to the scrutiny of a late 19th century reader.