The World Set Free: A Story of Mankind

The World Set Free, originally titled 'The World Set Free: A Story of Mankind' is a 1914 novel written in 1913 by H.G. Wells whose subject is the possible rise of Atomic power and weaponry. The novel is a possible future as envisioned by a man of the early 20th century. In it scientist discover unlimited energy potential in the Atom, and this discovery leads the creation of Carolinum (a theoretical chemical element derived from Thorium) hand grenades that leave battlefields irradiated for centuries to come. In light of the nuclear devastation brought on from the use of these grenades and the resulting return to a primitive way of life the leaders of the world; such as the King of England and the King of Serbia abdicate in favor of a world government. This government ushers in a Utopian age where most live as artists, though society is less advanced then the present of 1913, with the last chapter being written in reflection by a sage under this new government.