A Companion to Mr. Wells's Outline of History

A Companion to Mr. Wells’s Outline of History by Hilaire Belloc is a bold and insightful critical response to H.G. Wells’s famous work, The Outline of History. In this thought-provoking companion volume, Belloc—one of the early twentieth century’s most incisive historians and essayists—examines, challenges, and refines the sweeping historical interpretations presented by Wells.

Written with Belloc’s characteristic wit, intellect, and deep historical understanding, the book offers a rich dialogue between two great minds—one optimistic and secular, the other grounded in tradition and faith. Belloc dissects Wells’s portrayal of civilization, religion, and moral progress, arguing for a more balanced and spiritually rooted understanding of human history. His analysis not only critiques but also complements Wells’s narrative, providing readers with a deeper and more nuanced perspective on world history.

A Companion to Mr. Wells’s Outline of History remains a valuable work for students, scholars, and history enthusiasts seeking to explore the ideological debates that shaped early modern historiography. It stands as a timeless reminder of how differing worldviews can illuminate the complex story of humanity’s past.