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    The War of the Worlds: Classic Tales Edition
    The War of the Worlds: Classic Tales Edition
    The War of the Worlds: Classic Tales Edition
    Audiobook6 hours

    The War of the Worlds: Classic Tales Edition

    Written by H.G. Wells

    Narrated by B. J. Harrison

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Experience the original earth-shattering novel! Wells’ classic was written serially from 1895-1897, when steam locomotives and similar gargantuan machinery constituted the pinnacle of technological development.

    Now, relive the horrific wonder and amazement as aliens and their alien technology wreak havoc and mayhem in this world they’re determined to conquer.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherB.J. Harrison
    Release dateOct 27, 2014
    ISBN9781937091675
    The War of the Worlds: Classic Tales Edition
    Author

    H.G. Wells

    H.G. Wells is considered by many to be the father of science fiction. He was the author of numerous classics such as The Invisible Man, The Time Machine, The Island of Dr. Moreau, The War of the Worlds, and many more. 

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    Reviews for The War of the Worlds

    4/5

    3,920 ratings148 reviews

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    • 4/5
      If you can forget about the films and take this in for what it is then it comes out pretty darn good. Wells was possessed of an incredible imagination. This is nothing short of brilliance.
    • 3/5
      Truly a classic from one of the grandfathers of science fiction, but one which hasn't aged entirely well. It is an exciting premise delivered with a frankness (death and destruction) I usually associate with more contemporary writing. However the non-stop mentioning of place names---towns, roads, hills, forests, intersections, suburbs---ad nauseam eventually grates, as does the very long passages describing the narrator's wanderings. The visuals of a blasted landscape ring clear though, and the sometimes dry philosophizing occasionally hits a nerve as when a disillusioned soldier envisions a glorious future for mankind in which dog eats dog and only the fittest survive. I'm glad I read the source material but I think I'll stick to the movies.
    • 4/5
      A re-read triggered by seeing the BBC 2019 three-part mini-series, which, at least initially, promised to be much closer to the book than the 1953 Gene Barry version or the 2005 Tom Cruise version. I read for all the bits I didn't remember. That turned out to be substantial. The red weed, the flotilla attempting to escape London, the chapters with the curate and how he dies, other set pieces, how the Martians built those huge machines -- hint: they didn't bring them from Mars. I'd forgotten how often the nameless narrator makes brief but clear reference to how the invasion ends. I found the chapter with artilleryman and his plans for the new role of humanity as pests under the Martian foot, with the possibility of eventual rebellion, especially interesting. It felt like Wells was critiquing in advance plots for invasion stories from future writers.The Popular Library edition I read is interesting for having a Richard Powers' cover that is fairly literal but also inaccurate, since it shows four legs. Recommended, of course, but that was a given.
    • 4/5
      Reads not like a novel but rather like a documentary work. An extended report. A testimony. Thus, the voice is hauntingly compelling. There are moments when the story is terrifying, and I can imagine feeling this more so as a late-20th-century Briton. The denouement leaves something to be desired, but overall this is a page-turner with philosophical gravitas.
    • 5/5
      Great story!
    • 4/5
      They came from Mars, with deadly heat-rays and giant fighting machines. Nobody is quite sure what they want, but it seems like they both feed off humans and want humans to be their slaves. Nothing humans try seems to stop them as the Martians begin their terror and death across Earth. Now, the world won’t ever be the same.This was a recommendation from my partner about what to read next. He’s into the classics and since I like science fiction/fantasy, he thought I would enjoy one of the firsts.Reading this was kind of crazy to me since it was written in 1897. H.G. Wells was thinking of all this advanced technology that the Martians had that blew my mind thinking of the time period it was written in - I can’t imagine what it was like for those who read it when it originally came out. Science Fiction wasn’t even a genre at that time - instead, Wells’ stories were called “stories of science” and his novels, “scientific romances”.Reading this novel also gave me an idea of where others have gotten their ideas from as well.Now, I both read and listened to the audiobook of this novel read by Christopher Hurt - which was really lovely to listen to while I was getting my new journal ready for the upcoming new year. The book’s narrator was, in all honesty, a bit boring - there were some bits I would read/listen to where I couldn’t tell you exactly what happened, but I could still summarize it and therefore, would proceed on instead of rereading it (if that makes sense…).Overall, I think you have to take into consideration the time period this was written in and how it impacted Science Fiction writing following it. This was a huge deal - it hadn’t been done before! Nowadays, there’s so many layers and everything has been done. If you read this with the eyes of someone from 1897, it will change how you view the book for sure.
    • 5/5
      I loved the book. It was so exciting. Couldn't put it down. 5 Stars
    • 5/5
      Finally read this alien classic.  It's odd that SO many place names are mentioned constantly to be tedious (probably to seem more real, to ground it in England) while none of the characters even have names (probably to generalize it for the world.)  But this doesn't seem to make sense either, since it seems to want to do opposite things.  The chapter missing from the serial was my favorite - can't imagine the book without it.  I liked the book!  It seems very ahead of 1898 and I swear I had a so-vivid-it's-still-memorable dream that was just like the aliens with the Heat-Ray --but that is probably because this book is just one of those things that is so entrenched in the culture at this point.  Another Wells/Verne checked off so I can start reading all the steampunk.Book #124 I have read of the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.
    • 4/5
      The Martians being eradicated by bacteria is so incredibly plausible after the pandemic.
    • 4/5
      Better than his Invisible Man, but not as good as his Time Machine (which still rates as one of my top Sci Fi stories). Here the earth is invaded by Martians, and we hear the tale from the point of view of one survivor. I thought the end was good, and made sense from a scientific point of view (though a few other details were a little bit more difficult to accept). Tedious in some places, but overall worth reading, as it was such an influential contribution to the genre, and is quite good in places.
    • 3/5
      This was entertaining, though I wouldn't say brilliant, obviously ground breaking at the time. The narrator of the story wasn't as much a hero as an observer who was occasionally brave. Wells does a great job of instilling dread in the reader (definitely would have been even better if I didn't know how it ended) and I really like the philosophy of how the human race was to survive and eventually overcome the alien menace over time. I always remember it was "Chicken Pox" that did the aliens in, but I didn't hear that virus specifically mentioned in the book, so I guess that was just something they added to one of the movies.
    • 4/5
      Digital audiobook performed by Christopher HurtClassic science-fiction horror. Residents of a small community outside London are puzzled and curious about the “meteor” that has landed in a nearby field. But it’s clearly a manufactured rather than a natural object. And they notice that there is an effort – from the inside – to open the vessel. Thus begins the horror that becomes an invasion from Mars.I knew the basic premise going in. I knew about the Orson Welles’ radio broadcast that caused panic (despite an introduction advising that this was a dramatic reading of a work of fiction). But I’d never read the original. The first-person narrative lends a sense of urgency and immediacy to the narrative. The reader feels completely immersed in the story. Wells includes significant tension; while there are a few moments of respite, I found it a very anxiety-producing read. I like that he leaves much to the reader’s imagination, which heightens the suspense. Christopher Hurt did a fine job narrating the audio book. There’s something about that clipped British accent that just draws me in.
    • 3/5
      I know, I know - a classic that I'm just now reading. Prior to this I had only ever seen the Tom Cruise film adaptation! Better late than never. The fact that this was written when it was - before electronics and technology as we know it was incredible. It set the tone for science fiction as we know it. The parts I didn't love were the constant name dropping of towns (If I saw the word Woking one more damn time...) and the slow build - sometimes on the point of boring drudgery. Overall though it's a fantastic piece of literature - even if my lazy ass brain had to struggle through parts of it. It definitely made me want to watch more film versions if nothing else.
    • 3/5
      H.G. Wells' science fiction classic "The War of the Worlds" actually holds up fairly well, despite all of the years that have passed since he wrote it. (Mostly in the fiction department -- the science not as much, but it's still all tolerable.)Our narrator is on the front lines when the Martian invasion of Earth begins and gives a first-hand account of humanity's struggle. It's an enjoyable and quick read.
    • 5/5
      This is my classic read pick for May 2020. It bears little resemblance to the 1950s movie version I so loved as a kid--pretty much only the heat ray and the twist ending. I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. It's an intense read. Wells nailed the human psychological aspect in how people responded in different ways to the alien attack. I also enjoyed how steeped the book is in the Victorian era in which it was written. It adds a lot to the drama when you must rely on bicycles, horses, trains, ships, and telegraph wires. A classic still well worth reading over a century after it was written.
    • 3/5
      This is the first time that I have ever read the War of the Worlds. I have been meaning to for a while now, but just never quite got around to it.

      It is written as a narrative, from the perspective of one gentleman who lives very close to the landing site of the first Martian invader. He goes to see the landing site at Horsell sandpits, and is there when the first Martian attacks. Following more aggressive attacks from the invaders, he sends his wife of to Leatherhead to be with family, and he heads into London. He meets with various individuals, some of which he gets on with, and has to hide with a curate who he doesn't like much, as the Martians rampage across the south east.

      It is quite forward looking for a Victorian / Edwardian science fiction book. He is trying to describe lasers and other devices, but he does not have the technological vocabulary to describe them as we would now. The dialogue is quite stilted, but given the time this was written and set, I would not expect anything different. What Wells does manage to convey is the terror that the population, and himself and his companions experience, and the despair and helplessness that he feels.
    • 4/5
      H G Wells' War of The World - the book that spawned a thousand alien invasion movies, frequently featuring Will Smith wise-cracking his way through a bit of world-saving. From Independence Day to Mars Attacks!, the influence of the novel on the science fiction genre can not be underestimated.

      To call this a science fiction novel, though, is to miss a significant part of the subtext, the commentary on events in late 19th century Britain.

      Narrated by an unnamed protagonist, we see through his eyes the unfolding of events when Martians land on Earth, in southern England, from the initial curiosity of the indigenous population, to the fear and panic when they realise these alien creatures are intent on destruction, to the beginning of rebuilding when nature defeats the Martians. So far, so science fiction.

      But there are various themes that, for me, are far more important than the science fiction element. The book was written at a time when the British Empire was at its height; European countries had a habit of colonising overseas territories, imposing their laws and moral codes upon the indigenous populations. In War of the Worlds, an Imperial power itself becomes the victim of imperial aggression, allowing Wells, through the protagonist's thoughts, to dwell on this: 'I felt....a sense of dethronement, a persuasion that I was no longer a master, but an animal among animals. With us it would be as with them, to lurk an watch, to run and hide; the fear and empire of man had passed.'

      Then there is much on Darwinism, survival of the fittest and the process of evolution; the Martians are described as having large brains, being of very high intelligence, but lacking the ability to move any great distance without the aid of machinery. Written at a time when new technology was making travel easier, this could be a warning; are the Martians what, ultimately, humans could become?

      And there is some debate on Religion versus science. The protagonist is temporarily imprisoned with a curate, who's behaviour and views the protagonist has no time for. And yet, towards the end of the book, the protagonist thanks God for the turn of events: that the Martians were 'slain, after all man's devices had failed, by the humblest things that God, in his wisdom, has put upon this earth'

      War of the Worlds, read properly, is a thought-provoking novel, even now, more than 100 years after it was written - the themes it raises are still matters of much debate.
    • 3/5
      Well written but for more pessimistic then I expected. There is a general feeling of hopelessness and death in Wells' stories. Not the optimistic possibilities of Jules Verne stories. A sad Victorian fate seems to run through this entire tale. "Life sucks and then you die", seems to be a running theme in Wells' novels.
    • 4/5
      If you can forget about the films and take this in for what it is then it comes out pretty darn good. Wells was possessed of an incredible imagination. This is nothing short of brilliance.
    • 5/5
      What an imaginaton! Love all his books.
    • 2/5
      “the Martians are coming!”And they have Heat-Rays and Black Smoke to kick some English tushies! And they do!But as exciting as this all sounds, this book is rather boring. It's mostly about running and hiding and being frightened out of one's mind. No "war" to speak of. But lots of histrionics. Lots. I really wish I could have smacked the narrator's face. Lots. Also, the localities are very casually mentioned, and as I'm not familiar with those places, it made no impact on me whatsoever. In fact, the listing of places became a big part of my boredom. Where is he running? Then where? Ah, who gives a damn. In fact, I rooted for the Martians! Dang.
    • 4/5
      Published in 1898, three years after his famed debut The Time Machine, Wells presents a first-person account of a Martian invasion. By today's standards, the narrative feels detached. But the characterisation and concept shine. You meet a brave woman, an overwhelmed curate, a weak soldier. These very human interactions are just as welcome as descriptions of aliens and a London falling to pieces. A strong and thoughtful ending. Recommended.
    • 4/5
      There isn't much use for the Humilation game in my regard, there are always blind spots and blank areas. I read this one today over three hours, pausing to admire its technique. It is a prescient novel, much as critical opinion concurs, one I find so haunting in its reach.
    • 5/5
      I liked this quite a bit. Familiar with the story, of course, thanks to various other dramatizations, so it was nice to finally read this. The second half is quite eerie.
    • 4/5
      Arresting cover design, illustration 'a scene from George Pal's Paramount Technicolor production War of the Worlds, designed by Al Nozaki'...Green Martian invaders on garish yellow and red background.
    • 4/5

      While I've listened to the radio play, and watched the old black and white movie based on Mr. Wells' novel, this is the first time I've actually read it. I very much enjoyed it.

      Victorian novels in general seem to strive for verisimilitude. This one does as well, and succeeds. It's very believable.

      The movie and, especially, the radio plays also had a strong quality of verisimilitude. They're both set in the US, with slightly different specific actions, but the changes are there to suit the different mediums.

      Like [book:Time Machine], War of the Worlds touches on some very large issues of both the nature of humanity, and where humanity could go. Much to my surprise, neither novel is too heavy handed about it. It really is a natural out-welling of the story. I can't tell if the philosophy or the plot came first.

      Now I'm craving both the movie and the radio play :)
    • 4/5
      Only four stars, but...signed by Gorey is a keeper. Love these illustrations.
    • 3/5
      It's been a while since I've seen the Tom Cruise movie adaptation, which was good when reading the book. I enjoyed the story about Martians invading earth. Very descriptive and felt very anxious while our main character fled and escaped barely from the aliens. The thing I didn't like were the notes explaining to me where all the places where by London or near London. I really didn't need a geography lesson nor did I care. Besides that irritation, it is a good read.
    • 5/5
      Gorey illustrated War of the Worlds!* I don't review FAMOUS works already reviewed a "million" times over. I review the obscure.
    • 4/5
      Obviously a classic, but the novel has been bettered by future adaptations (radio, film, etc.). The book has some dull moments, and the ending (which some adaptations have made into an amazing twist) is squandered in the book. Having your protagonist wonder "perhaps X will save humanity" makes it much less interesting when, yes, in the end, X saves humanity.