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 ...
Read More
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.
Read Less
Add this copy of The War of the Worlds to cart. $6.60, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2013 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.
I bought this as a gift for grandchildren. I have not heard if they have read it. MJB
Jonathan
Sep 2, 2011
Genesis
One of the first great alien invasion stories. Brilliantly written, the book is able to capture the bitter raw human struggle for survival. As well as creating a scenario that appeals to reason. Excellent book that any fan of Sci-Fi or classic literature must read.
RKK916
Nov 19, 2009
Okay
I was actually a bit disappointed in this book.
Maybe I expected too much. I found there were too many detailed descrpitons of the invading machines.
I enjoyed The Invisible Man more.
However, it is worth reading and I did like it.
Maggie1
Feb 1, 2008
More complicated than you expected
Wells' classic sci- fi novella, which is the basis for so many modern alien invasion stories, follows a simple plot line ie-Martians arrive, narrator flees, hides, flees, Martians die and narrator has survived. However, the writing itself is complex, beautifully detailed, referencing plenty of Victorian era science, using metaphor and simile, and painting a clear, suspenseful picture of terror. The language is more complicated than many would expect and can pose a challenge for some students, but the book is well worth it, and should be a quick read for capable readers.
