War of the Worlds

By Bruce Shawkey

 War of the Worlds is a science fiction novel by English author H. G. Wells. It was written between 1895 and 1897. It is one of the earliest stories to detail a conflict between humankind and an extraterrestrial race. It is one of the most commented-on works in the science fiction canon.

The book is banned in many libraries due to its violence and suggestion (in particular Christian schools) that there might be life beyond earth. 

The book has been made into a very famous radio adaptation, played by Orson Wells (below) and the Mercury Players on Halloween 1938 that created nationwide panic and made headlines in many newspapers across the country (right).

Many movie adaptations have been made, starting in 1953, then 1958, 1975, 1988, and more.

The term "Martian" first became popular in 1893 after the publication of A Voyage to Other Worlds by Reverend Wladyslaw Lach Szyrma. In the book, Martians were described as vegetarian, nine feet tall, and having a lion-like appearance.




 

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