The War of the Worlds, written by H.G. Wells and published in 1898, is an inspirational science fiction novel that depicts an invasion of Earth by Martians. The story follows an unnamed protagonist, referred to as the Narrator, as he witnesses and survives the catastrophic events of the Martian invasion.

Set in late nineteenth-century England, the novel presents a thrilling and terrifying account of the conflict between humanity and technologically advanced extra-terrestrial beings. The Martians, equipped with powerful war machines and deadly heat rays, wreak havoc and devastation, reducing cities to ruins and instilling fear and panic among the population.

This work by Wells reflects the anxieties and fears of the time, including concerns about technological advancements, colonialism and the fragility of human civilization. The invasion serves as a metaphor for the vulnerability of humanity in the face of unknown and seemingly unstoppable forces.

The War of the Worlds explores themes of survival, resilience and the human instinct to adapt in the face of extreme adversity. The Narrator’s desperate struggle for survival and his encounters with other survivors reveal the best and worst aspects of human nature, from acts of bravery and selflessness to instances of panic and desperation.

Wells’ writing style is characterized by its vivid descriptions, suspenseful pacing and a scientific approach to the narrative. His attention to detail, particularly in describing the Martian technology and their methods of attack, lends an air of realism to the story.

Beyond its thrilling plot, the novel also offers social commentary on imperialism and the relationship between colonizer and colonized. The parallels between the Martian invasion and European colonization shed light on the destructive impact of unchecked power and the importance of empathy and understanding in a diverse world.

The War of the Worlds was atrociously impactful in the genre of science fiction and shaped popular culture majorly. It has been adapted into numerous films, radio dramas and television series, becoming one of the most iconic alien invasion stories of all time. This novel continues to keep its readers hooked with its blend of scientific imagination, social commentary and engaging storytelling, reminding us of our minuscule place in the vast universe and the evanescent nature of our existence.

1. Cover
2. Books that Speak to us Across Time
3. Also from Trove
4. Title Page
5. Copyright Page
6. Dedication
7. About the Author
8. About the Book
9. Contents
10. BOOK ONE THE COMING OF THE MARTIANS
    1. I. THE EVE OF THE WAR.
    2. II. THE FALLING STAR.
    3. III. ON HORSELL COMMON.
    4. IV. THE CYLINDER OPENS.
    5. V. THE HEAT-RAY.
    6. VI. THE HEAT-RAY IN THE CHOBHAM ROAD.
    7. VII. HOW I REACHED HOME.
    8. VIII. FRIDAY NIGHT.
    9. IX. THE FIGHTING BEGINS.
    10. X. IN THE STORM.
    11. XI. AT THE WINDOW.
    12. XII. WHAT I SAW OF THE DESTRUCTION OF WEYBRIDGE AND SHEPPERTON.
    13. XIII. HOW I FELL IN WITH THE CURATE.
    14. XIV. IN LONDON.
    15. XV. WHAT HAD HAPPENED IN SURREY.
    16. XVI. THE EXODUS FROM LONDON.
    17. XVII. THE “THUNDER CHILD”.
11. BOOK TWO THE EARTH UNDER THE MARTIANS.
    1. I. UNDER FOOT.
    2. II. WHAT WE SAW FROM THE RUINED HOUSE.
    3. III. THE DAYS OF IMPRISONMENT.
    4. IV. THE DEATH OF THE CURATE.
    5. V. THE STILLNESS.
    6. VI. THE WORK OF FIFTEEN DAYS.
    7. VII. THE MAN ON PUTNEY HILL.
    8. VIII. DEAD LONDON.
    9. IX. WRECKAGE.
    10. X. THE EPILOGUE.
12. Back Cover

Books that Speak to us Across Time

Books have a magical and timeless appeal. They inform, educate and entertain us. We love and cherish the books we grow up with, and explore the fascinating world they present all through our lives.

Trove seeks to preserve the tradition of reading by publishing books from the past. It is a treasure chest of the most precious works across various genres. Our vision is to keep alive works that have stood the test of time and pass them on to the next generation of readers.

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Also from Trove

DOI: 10.4324/9789358780338-1

 1. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

 2. Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw

 3. The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

 4. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

 5. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

 6. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

 7. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

 8. A Portrait of the Artist As a Young Man by James Joyce

 9. The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot

10. The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy

11. Moby Dick or The Whale by Melville Herman

12. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

13. Animal Farm by George Orwell

14. Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne

15. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

16. She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith

17. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

18. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

19. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

20. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome

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