'He was heckled, publicised, mis-represented, and subjected to discourtesies. He was tired, ruffled, and rude - always critical. Thus from some quarters was H. G. Wells, the man, made known to us.
He was spurred on to make outspoken comments because they were expected of him. One is tempted to ask if they were so wide of the mark. Are we yet able to take our criticism? Are we equal to the pace and magnitude of that brain?' (Source: introduction.)