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The War of the Worlds

By H. G. Wells
Penguin Classics
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells is a pioneering science fiction story that details the dramatic and terrifying arrival of Martians on Earth. As these extraterrestrial beings descend upon England with advanced technology and an intent to conquer, humanity struggles to survive and understand this unprecedented invasion. The narrative explores themes of survival, human vulnerability, and the societal response to cataclysmic events.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This classic sci-fi adventure may appeal to you if you enjoy thrilling tales of alien invasions set in Victorian England. With its vivid imagination and timeless exploration of human resilience and fear, it's a must-read for fans of speculative fiction. If you're fascinated by the potential consequences of contact with extraterrestrial life, this gripping narrative could captivate your imagination.

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The night after a shooting star is seen streaking through the sky from Mars, a cylinder is discovered on Horsell Common in London. At first, naive locals approach the cylinder armed just with a white flag only to be quickly killed by an all-destroying heat-ray, as terrifying tentacled invaders emerge.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The night after a shooting star is seen streaking through the sky from Mars, a cylinder is discovered on Horsell Common in London. At first, naive locals approach the cylinder armed just with a white flag, only to be quickly killed by an all-destroying heat-ray, as terrifying tentacled invaders emerge.

Soon the whole of human civilisation is under threat, as powerful Martians build gigantic killing machines, destroy all in their path with black gas and burning rays, and feast on the warm blood of trapped, still-living human prey. The forces of the Earth, however, may prove harder to beat than they at first appear.

The War of the Worlds presents a thrilling narrative of compassion, survival, and unexpected resilience in the face of an alien menace.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells is praised for its imaginative portrayal of alien invasion and its alignment with scientific thought, albeit extending into speculative realms. Its influence and innovative narrative are lauded, demonstrating its impact on science fiction and its relevance even beyond Wells' own era.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141441030

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 March 2005

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Notes by Andy Sawyer
  • Introduction by Brian Aldiss

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 8.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 181g

Pages: 240

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic Science Fiction Dystopian Fiction Fiction General Fiction H.G. Wells Penguin Black Classics Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Sci-Fi & Fantasy Science Fiction

About the Author

H.G. Wells was a professional writer and journalist, who published more than a hundred books, including novels, histories, essays and programmes for world regeneration. Wells's prophetic imagination was first displayed in pioneering works of science fiction, but later he became an apostle of socialism, science and progress. His controversial views on sexual equality and the shape of a truly developed nation remain directly relevant to our world today. He was, in Bertrand Russell's words, 'an important liberator of thought and action'. Brian Aldiss is a famed science fiction writer. Patrick Parrinder has written on H.G. Wells, science fiction, James Joyce and the history of the English novel. Since 1986 he has been Professor of English at the University of Reading. Andy Sawyer is a Librarian at the University of Liverpool with a particular interest in science fiction. He has annotated four volumes in this series.

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