Radioactive decay is a major theme in the novel The World Set Free, published in 1914. Wells explores what might happen if the rate of decay could be sped up. The book may have encouraged scientists to explore theories of nuclear chain reaction. It also served as a vehicle for Wells to develop his ideas on survival of the human race.

Latest episodes of the podcast The World Set Free by H. G. Wells

• 00 -- Preface, Prelude Sec 1-6
• 01 -- Prelude Sec 7 & 8, Ch First Sec 1-3
• 02 -- Ch First Sec 4-8
• 03 -- Ch Second Sec 1-3
• 04 -- Ch Second Sec 4-8
• 05 -- Ch Second Sec 9 & 10, Ch Third Sec 1 & 2
• 06 -- Ch Third Sec 3-7
• 07 -- Ch Third Sec 8, Ch Fourth Sec 1-6
• 08 -- Ch Fourth Sec 7-11
• 09 -- Ch Fourth Sec 12, Ch Fifth Sec 1-4
• 10 -- Ch Fifth Sec 5-10