'The Hampdenshire Wonder' by J. D. Beresford is a science fiction novel that tells the story of Victor Stott, a child prodigy with a powerful brain. As the son of a famous cricket player, Victor's progress from infancy to childhood is followed closely by the town. The novel explores the challenges and social implications of Victor's extraordinary intelligence, including the jealousy and suspicion of those around him, particularly the local minister. Beresford's portrayal of a wunderkind is both fascinating and unsettling, making this novel a must-read for fans of science fiction and social commentary alike.