The War of the Worlds - Softcover

Wells, H. G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 147333361X ISBN 13: 9781473333611

Publisher: H. G. Wells Library, 2016

Synopsis

This is H. G. Wells' famous 1897 science fiction masterpiece, “The War of the Worlds”. Written between 1895 and 1897, it is among the first literary works concerning a war with humans and extraterrestrial beings, making it one of the most commented-on works of science fiction ever. The novel has obvious connections with the popular invasion fiction of the time, and has been interpreted as an exploration of British imperialism, evolution theory, and Victorian superstitions. A must-read for fans of science fiction and those who have read and enjoyed other works by this author. Herbert George Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific English writer who wrote in a variety of genres, including the novel, politics, history, and social commentary. Today, he is perhaps best remembered for his contributions to the science fiction genre thanks to such novels as “The Time Machine” (1895), “The Invisible Man” (1897), and “The War of the Worlds” (1898). Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

About this title

Review

This is the granddaddy of all alien invasion stories, first published by H.G. Wells in 1898. The novel begins ominously, as the lone voice of a narrator tells readers that "No one would have believed in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man's..."

Things then progress from a series of seemingly mundane reports about odd atmospheric disturbances taking place on Mars to the arrival of Martians just outside of London. At first the Martians seem laughable, hardly able to move in Earth's comparatively heavy gravity even enough to raise themselves out of the pit created when their spaceship landed. But soon the Martians reveal their true nature as death machines 100-feet tall rise up from the pit and begin laying waste to the surrounding land. Wells quickly moves the story from the countryside to the evacuation of London itself and the loss of all hope as England's military suffers defeat after defeat. With horror his narrator describes how the Martians suck the blood from living humans for sustenance, and how it's clear that man is not being conquered so much a corralled. --Craig E. Engler

From the Publisher

This book is a standard print version using a minimum of 10 point type in a 6 by 9 inch size and perfect bound - a paperback. As with all Quiet Vision print books, it use a high grade, acid free paper for long life.

About this edition

• Publisher: H. G. Wells Library
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 147333361X
• ISBN 13: 9781473333611
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 214