History of modern literature Puccini's opera "La Bohème" was staged, as was Chekov's play "The Seagull". H. G. Wells published "The Time Machine" and "The Island of Dr. Moreau". William Morris died 3 October. Mark Twain published "Tom Sawyer, Detective". Alfred Jarry, only 23 years old, wrote his highly influential play "Ubu Roi", which is often cited as a forerunner to the Theatre of the Absurd. In 1897 Bram Stoker published "Dracula". H.G. Wells published "The Invisible Man". In 1898 Henry James published "The Turn of the Screw". H.G. Wells publishes "The War of the Worlds". Oscar Wilde published "The Ballad of Reading Gaol".
HM Prison Reading attraction, and Reading Council have confirmed that they intend to retain the complex. In June 2014 it was proposed that the site could be converted into a theatre venue. However, in November 2015 it was announced by Chancellor George Osborne and Justice Secretary Michael Gove that the site was to be sold to housing developers. In May 2016 it was announced that the former prison would be made available as an arts venue for the Reading 2016 Year of Culture programme. HM Prison Reading HM Prison Reading, formerly known as Reading Gaol, is a former prison located in Reading, Berkshire,