The War of the Worlds: The Original 1898 Classic Illustrated Book

by H.G. Wells

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells is one of the earliest and most influential science fiction novels ever written. First published in 1898, this classic alien invasion story introduces readers to a terrifying vision of humanity under siege by advanced Martian invaders. Set in Victorian England, Wells' groundbreaking novel blends thrilling action, suspense, and social commentary, making it a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction, extraterrestrial life, and early science fiction literature.

The novel follows an unnamed narrator as giant Martian tripods equipped with deadly heat-rays and black smoke lay waste to the English countryside. As the British military fails to stop the invasion, cities are destroyed, society collapses, and humanity teeters on the brink of extinction. Told with vivid realism and prophetic insight, The War of the Worlds captures the terror of the unknown and the fragility of human civilization in the face of technological superiority and cosmic indifference.

Perfect for readers interested in first contact narratives, invasion thrillers, and post-apocalyptic themes, this edition of The War of the Worlds preserves Wells’ original text and remains a powerful work of speculative fiction. If you enjoy books about Martians, alien war machines, and the collapse of society through the lens of 19th-century science fiction, this timeless masterpiece deserves a place on your shelf.

217 pages, Paperback

Published May 21, 2025

About the author

Herbert George Wells was born to a working class family in Kent, England. Young Wells received a spotty education, interrupted by several illnesses and family difficulties, and became a draper's apprentice as a teenager. The headmaster of Midhurst Grammar School, where he had spent a year, arranged for him to return as an "usher," or student teacher. Wells earned a government scholarship in 1884, to study biology under Thomas Henry Huxley at the Normal School of Science. Wells earned his bachelor of science and doctor of science degrees at the University of London. After marrying his cousin, Isabel, Wells began to supplement his teaching salary with short stories and freelance articles, then books, including The Time Machine (1895), The Island of Dr. Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), and The War of the Worlds (1898).

Wells created a mild scandal when he divorced his cousin to marry one of his best students, Amy Catherine Robbins. Although his second marriage was lasting and produced two sons, Wells was an unabashed advocate of free (as opposed to "indiscriminate") love. He continued to openly have extra-marital liaisons, most famously with Margaret Sanger, and a ten-year relationship with the author Rebecca West, who had one of his two out-of-wedlock children. A one-time member of the Fabian Society, Wells sought active change. His 100 books included many novels, as well as nonfiction, such as A Modern Utopia (1905), The Outline of History (1920), A Short History of the World (1922), The Shape of Things to Come (1933), and The Work, Wealth and Happiness of Mankind (1932). One of his booklets was Crux Ansata, An Indictment of the Roman Catholic Church. Although Wells toyed briefly with the idea of a "divine will" in his book, God the Invisible King (1917), it was a temporary aberration. Wells used his international fame to promote his favorite causes, including the prevention of war, and was received by government officials around the world. He is best-remembered as an early writer of science fiction and futurism.

He was also an outspoken socialist. Wells and Jules Verne are each sometimes referred to as "The Fathers of Science Fiction". D. 1946.

More: http://philosopedia.org/index.php/H._...

http://www.online-literature.com/well...

http://www.hgwellsusa.50megs.com/

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/t...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H._G._Wells

Reviews

[Ross Pellow]

I enjoyed the story and can see why it is so influential. Naturally there is an aged writing style which I found slowed the pace of the novel a lot. I found my mind drifted often during my read. Perhaps due to how busy I have been or the oace of writing or both. A very realistic ending but the whole story finished in what felt like 2 pages after 100 or so pages of walking about the South of England.
2 and a half stars I'd say. I enjoyed but wasn't excited or piqued

[Corina Chang]

A classic.