Earlier I discussed the earliest(at least to me) science fiction writers who influenced how I think of writing. Jules Verne and Robert Louis Stevenson were great writers for both science fiction and adventure. For me H.G. Wells and Edgar Rice Burroughs are the next significant writers in the science fiction genre.
H.G. Wells was an educator and futurist. His works often involved identifying and writing about future trends and concepts. When I think of his writing that I am most familiar with I think literature rather than pulp writing. Some of his books can be and were used in English classes. His titles include such classics as “The Invisible Man”, “The Island of Dr. Moreau”, “The War of the Worlds” and “The First Men in the Moon”. If the far fetched premise of some of his novels is unbelievable (at the time) he overcomes those objections by writing the story in a manner that is otherwise believable with strong characters.
Edgar Rice Burrough on the other hand is sheer fantasy and fun. His series such as Tarzan and John Carter are delightful reading at least for young male readers. His protagonists are always strong and heroic in colorful settings. I was always a fan of the John Carter series and Pellucidar. His stories are fun to read with memorable characters, but great literature? or would they even find a publisher today? Probably not. Nonetheless, a guilty pleasure.
When I watch movies, some films are so fun, and the characters so delightful that I can watch them over and over again. That is Burroughs. Some films are events with great acting and important stories that I know I must see at least once, but am okay with not seeing again. That is H.G. Wells.