The War of the Worlds

by
 

H. G. Wells

 
The author

Herbert George Wells (1866-1946): English novelist and social commentator, chiefly known as a founder of the science fiction genre.

His early novels, called "scientific romances", invented a number of themes now classic in science fiction in such works as The Time Machine, The Invisible Man, and The War of the Worlds and are often thought of as being influenced by the works of Jules Verne. He also wrote other, non-fantastic novels which have received critical acclaim, including the satire on Edwardian advertising Tono-Bungay and Kipps.

(From http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au)

 
The book An early science fiction novel, The War of the Worlds (1898), by H.G. Wells, describes the fictional 1895 invasion of Earth by aliens, from Mars, who use laser like Heat-Rays, chemical weapons, and mechanical three-legged "fighting machines" that could potentially be viewed as precursors to the tank. After defeating the resistance the martians devastate much of eastern England, including London, the martians are unexpectedly killed by terrestrial diseases, to which they have no immunity.

The book has been viewed as an indictment of European colonial actions in Africa, Asia, and The Americas. Wells seems to have taken great pleasure in the fictional devastation of locations where he had spent an unhappy childhood. The book has been adapted as a famous radio drama, as a movie, and as a bestselling concept album, all of which have played some part in maintaining the public's interest in the original novel.

This theme of an alien invasion has remained a popular one ever since, some recent examples being Footfall by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, the "Worldwar" series by Harry Turtledove, and the film Independence Day. Tim Burton's farcical Mars Attacks! shares many themes with The War of the Worlds, particularly the unexpected and unglorious demise of the Martian invaders.

(From Wikipedia, The free Encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/)

 
The book online

 

http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/w/wells/hg/w45ww/index.html