DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

The War of the Worlds

A gripping tale of extraterrestrial invasion and human resilience

HG Wells author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Orion Publishing Co

Published:12th Jan '17

Should be back in stock very soon

The War of the Worlds cover

This classic novel depicts an alien invasion where Martians wreak havoc on Earth, challenging humanity's survival and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

In The War of the Worlds, H. G. Wells presents a gripping narrative that explores the terrifying consequences of an alien invasion. Set in the late nineteenth century, the story begins with the shocking revelation that Earth is being observed by extraterrestrial beings with superior intelligence. The Martians, equipped with advanced technology and formidable war machines, descend upon the planet, unleashing chaos and destruction. Their arrival marks the beginning of a harrowing struggle for survival as humanity faces an enemy unlike any other.

The Martians, with their towering tripods and devastating heat rays, wreak havoc on Victorian England, a society that prides itself on its technological advancements. As they advance towards London, the once-thriving metropolis is transformed into a scene of utter devastation. The story captures the panic and despair of the human population, who find themselves powerless against the relentless onslaught of their alien invaders. The chilling atmosphere and vivid imagery create a sense of urgency and despair that permeates the narrative.

Ultimately, The War of the Worlds serves as a poignant commentary on the fragility of human civilization. As society collapses and survivors are forced into a new primitive existence, the novel raises profound questions about humanity's place in the universe and the potential consequences of our own technological ambitions. This timeless tale continues to resonate with readers, reminding us of the thin veneer that separates civilization from chaos.

Groundbreaking ... A true classic that has pointed the way not just for science-fiction writers, but for how we as a civilisation might think of ourselves * GUARDIAN *
[Wells' work is] astonishingly rich in human and historical interest ... he foresaw the invention of, among other things, television, tanks, aerial warfare and the atom bomb -- David Lodge
I personally consider the greatest of English living writers [to be] H. G. Wells -- Upton Sinclair

ISBN: 9781473218024

Dimensions: 162mm x 201mm x 18mm

Weight: 184g

208 pages