H. G. Wells wrote The War of the Worlds in 1898, when there was much speculation about life on the planet Mars. The book is considered to be one of the first science fiction novels. In the story, an English gentleman narrates the events of a violent and fast paced Martian invasion. The frightening images of people fleeing from gigantic tripod machines and the prospect of life under Martian rule have served as a bottomless well of inspiration for popular culture. The novel has served as a template for many derivative or ...
Read More
H. G. Wells wrote The War of the Worlds in 1898, when there was much speculation about life on the planet Mars. The book is considered to be one of the first science fiction novels. In the story, an English gentleman narrates the events of a violent and fast paced Martian invasion. The frightening images of people fleeing from gigantic tripod machines and the prospect of life under Martian rule have served as a bottomless well of inspiration for popular culture. The novel has served as a template for many derivative or inspired works, including comics, countless books, a tv series, several films, a bestselling musical, and the famous Orson Wells broadcast. Overall, The War of the Worlds has become an early milestone in and inspiration for the invasion genre. The novel demonstrates Wells' typical pessimistic outlook on human nature and offers a good deal of critisism on society and people's ignorance and vanity. The War of the Worlds can be read as an indictment of European colonial actions around the globe at that time - with which the injustice of the Martian invasion can be compared. Wells has since been credited with predicting quite a number of technologies, such as laser-like rays, industrial robot-like machines, and chemical-warfare.
Read Less
Add this copy of The War Of The Worlds to cart. $8.19, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2014 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.
Add this copy of The War Of The Worlds to cart. $18.75, new condition, Sold by Ria Christie Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Uxbridge, MIDDLESEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2014 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.
Add this copy of The War of the Worlds to cart. $27.25, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2014 by CreateSpace Independent Publis.
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.
