H.G. Wells may be famous for his visionary science fiction, but Kipps, his satirical study of class, ambition, and the absurdities of Edwardian society, is no less fascinating a read for remaining earthbound.
At the heart of this (semi-autobiographical) novel is Arthur Kipps, a draper’s apprentice whose sudden rise to wealth exposes him to the hypocrisy and pretension of England's upper classes. And among the many institutions that Kipps learns to distrust, none arouse his suspicion quite like the clergy!
Wells, a lifelong critic of social hierarchies and moral posturing, uses Kipps’ scepticism to attack (in true Viking fashion) the self-serving nature of religious figures who often prioritise status over genuine virtue. As such, this t-shirt is potentially a perfect fit for those who appreciate fiction that questions authority and challenges societal norms.