The War of the Worlds

Herbert George Wells

Jan 1898 · B. Tauchnitz

About this ebook

H.G. Wells's hugely influential book tracks the exploits of a writer who struggles to survive an alien invasion of Victorian England. After seeing the monstrous Martians firsthand, the narrator attempts to evade their destructive mechanized vehicles and must stay on the run to avoid detection. As he meets other desperate humans, he becomes increasingly pessimistic about any chance of survival. The novel stands as a major milestone in science-fiction literature, inspiring legions of subsequent writers and an endless array of hostile-alien scenarios.

Ratings and reviews

One of my favorites science-fiction novels and, to me, a hallmark example of the scientific curiosity and imagination that was alight in the Victorian era. In this work, Wells cleary conveys many aspects of not only contemporary science, but the works of contemporary authors as well. Many of the aspects of the novel, in especially the description of the Martians, call to mind aspects of Lovecraft-inspired xenomorphic forms. It also references the popular theory of human evolution at the time, the increasing of intelligence and craftwork at the sacrifice of physical strength (the Grey theory of early 20th century xenophilia). Influences of Verne is also noted in the travel of the Martian invaders to Earth; cannon travels as utilized in "From the Earth to the Moon", and even some of the indigenous plants found in that story are hinted to in the Red Weed that becomes so prolific on terrestian soil. The resolution is one that is a bit underwhelming (a catharsis of positive emotion, a more protractive outlook on the future), but it is necessary. In a world of ever-changing warfare, one must be aware that civilization is ever-fragile, but the human spirit is insurmountible.

A book as essential an any to understanding the complexities of our vast technological world. In spite of our best efforts an outcome is not guaranteed under any circumstances. In addition if you have heard or heard of the Orson Wells radio broadcast of the same name reading the original will enhance your enjoyment.

War of the Worlds is so much more intriguing than the movies that have been made based on it. The text is eloquent, inspiring, insightful, yet far from being laborious as some classics tend to be. It's a fast and suspenseful read, but also beautiful. It's become my favorite novel of H.G. Wells.

About the author

A key figure in the development of science-fiction literature, Herbert George Wells was a prolific British writer. After a stint as a schoolteacher, Wells crafted a series of inventive novels during the 1890s, including The Time Machine and The Invisible Man, depicting technological advancements and their dramatic ramifications. Shortly after his dark, dystopian 1898 novel, The War of the Worlds, Wells shifted to less fantastical fare, but his sci-fi tales represent his ongoing legacy.