Name: Floor Games; a companion volume to Little Wars by H. G. Wells
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)
Author: Wells, H. G. (Herbert George), 1866-1946

Featured

Floor Games; a companion volume to "Little Wars" by H. G. Wells

(2 User reviews) 520

By Charlotte Ramos Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Sustainability

Authors: Wells, H. G. (Herbert George), 1866-1946 Published By : Wells, H. G. (Herbert George), 1866-1946

Book Language: English

Hey, have you ever watched kids build a sprawling city out of blocks, toy soldiers, and whatever else they can find, and thought, 'That looks way more fun than my taxes'? Well, H.G. Wells, the guy who wrote about Martian invasions and time machines, felt exactly the same way. Forget grand sci-fi for a minute. 'Floor Games' is his delightful, slightly mad guide to turning your living room floor into a kingdom. It's not about a story with a plot, but about the conflict between boring adulthood and the sheer, glorious chaos of play. The 'mystery' here is what incredible worlds you and your kids (or your inner child) can build with a few simple toys and a lot of imagination. Wells argues with a wink that these miniature campaigns are just as important as his famous 'Little Wars.' It's a short, charming, and surprisingly profound little book that will make you want to get down on the carpet and start building.

File: Floor Games; a companion volume to "Little Wars" by H. G. Wells

Put away any expectations of alien tripods or Victorian time travellers. 'Floor Games' is H.G. Wells's instruction manual for pure, unadulterated play. Written as a companion to his more famous book on toy soldier battles, 'Little Wars,' this is a heartfelt ode to the worlds we build on the floor.

The Story

There isn't a traditional narrative. Instead, Wells acts as your enthusiastic guide. He walks you through the 'raw materials' of a good floor game: wooden bricks, toy soldiers, trains, and trees. He describes building 'The Wonderful Island' and 'The Mysterious Mountains,' laying out cities, digging canals, and orchestrating grand expeditions. The 'plot' is the rise and fall of these temporary empires, governed by simple, flexible rules made up on the spot. It's about the journey of construction, the drama of a toppled tower, and the joy of starting all over again. The book is essentially a series of vignettes from the epic campaigns he waged with his own young sons.

Why You Should Read It

What struck me most was Wells's genuine reverence for this kind of play. This isn't a cynical adult looking down at kids' stuff. He sees floor games as a foundation for creativity, problem-solving, and storytelling. His writing is warm, funny, and full of a father's pride in these shared adventures. You get a real sense of the laughter and concentration in that room. In a world obsessed with structured activities and digital screens, this book is a powerful reminder of the magic that happens when you use your hands and your mind to make something from nothing. It celebrates the process, not the product.

Final Verdict

This book is a tiny treasure. It's perfect for parents or grandparents looking for inspiration to connect with kids offline, for fans of Wells curious about his lighter side, and for anyone who needs a quick, joyful nudge to remember how to play. It’s not a novel; it's an invitation. If the idea of building a fortress out of books and battling with bottle-cap armies brings a smile to your face, you'll find a kindred spirit in H.G. Wells. Keep it on your shelf for when life feels a bit too serious.