Herbert George Wells (1866 – 1946) was an English writer. He was proli?c in many genres, writing dozens of novels, short stories, and works of social commentary, but he is now best re-membered for his science ?ction novels. The protagonist of the novel, “The Passionate Friends,” is Stephen Stratton, who writes a long and deeply personal letter to his son, hoping that, as his son becomes a man, he can bene?t from Stephen’s experience and wisdom. As Stephen sets down his life’s history, he tells the remarkable story of his former lover, Lady Mary.