Herbert George Wells (1866—1946) was an English writer. He was prolific in many genres, writing dozens of novels, short stories, and works of social commentary, but he is now best remembered for his science fiction 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 benefit 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.