The History of Mr. Polly is an H. G. Wells comic novel inspired by H.G. Wells" early experiences in the drapery trade. Alfred Pollyis is a timid and directionless young man who, despite his own bumbling, achieves a contented serenity. Mr. Polly"s most striking characteristic is his "innate sense of epithet," which leads him to coin hilarious expressions like "the Shoveacious Cult" for "sunny young men of an abounding and elbowing energy," and "dejected angelosity" for the ornaments of Canterbury Cathedral. Herbert George "H. G." Wells was an English writer best known for his work in science fiction. He was also a prolific writer in many other genres, including contemporary novels, history, politics and social commentary, even writing textbooks and rules for war games. His most notable science fiction works include The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, The Invisible Man and The Island of Doctor Moreau.