The Time Machine: Originally published in 1895, H.G. Wells' time machine has captured the imaginations of readers as well as a host of writers and filmmakers. The story is credited with spawning a host of time travel stories and introducing the now-generic term, "time machine." It also paints a dystopian vision of a dark future which has, in itself, inspired legions of imitators. Now, over a century later, even the realistic elements of the story are exotic to readers.