The War of the Worlds

By: H. G. Wells

Narrated by: Christopher Hurt

Length: 5 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

This classic chiller, when adapted for radio in 1938 by Orson Welles, was realistic enough to cause widespread panic throughout the United States.

"No one would have believed in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man's and yet as mortal as his own...." So begins The War of the Worlds, the science-fiction classic that first proposed the possibility that intelligent life exists on other planets.

This spellbinding tale describes the Martian invasion of earth. Following the landing in England of ten huge and indefatigable creatures, complete chaos erupts. Using their fiery heat rays and monstrous strength, the heartless aliens threaten the future existence of all life on earth.

(P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"This archetypal story of alien invasion provided a model for countless cruder imitations." (The Cambridge Guide to Literature in English)

Not what I had expected

I don’t know what I expected with a title like that , BUT I was not disappointed. Kept on listening to it even in bed!

Not bad

Not bad for 1898
I enjoyed it
You should give it a listen
The narrator could have been a little better

Pretty solid book, interesting story

The narrator did the book justice, nice voice.
It's not as relatable as the later retellings because of the author's time relative to our own, but the core components are there in newer versions all the way down to the dead transportation.
I wouldn't say it's a must-read, it didn't drag me in like some of its contemporaries, but it's worth the time. I do appreciate that the author showed the main character's ptsd while wrapping up the story, those details make it feel more realistic

A Worthy Classic

I don't know why it took me so long to get around to listening to this one but it was absolutely worth the hype.

Required listening for the SciFi fan.

Highly recommended for any fan of science fiction as foundational literature of the genre. If you saw the Tom Cruise remake, you’ll recognize the original characters and be impressed that the basis for the screenplay was written in the 1890s.
Enjoy!

Loved it!!!

Loved this!!! This story in Edwardian England is sooo much better than the Tom Cruise movie!!

It's Better Then The Radio Show!

Everyone Should Own This Audio Book For There Audio Collection.

an old book but new favorite

it didn't feel like 1895. this was so ahead of its time. I strongly suggest listening to this. its relatively short and very captivating.

1800’s Sci Fi, WHAT A TREAT!!!

Of course, like the most of us, I’ve seen the movies, pop culture etc etc War of the Worlds, but what a treat it was to go back to the 1800’s version, the true original! And what a foreign concept, people in horse drawn wagons fleeing from martians! Martians!! Who even says that word anymore! Mile by mile, no internet, only by wire, and then word of mouth or newspaper boys IF you purchased a news paper! Martian’s have landed! So outlandish that people laughed and made fun until the martians were right on top of them and it was too late! I think historical sci-fi may be more fun than futuristic sci-fi, such different times, yet same human behavior. Humans never change. SMH LOL

The narrator was great! He made the entire story that much more believable! Don’t miss out on this wonderful original unabridged story! My first Wells book, definitely going to check out more!

A great classic fit with a modern vive

This was a great book and read wonderfully by the narrator. I sometimes get put off from reading books after watching a movie based on it even more so if they are classics. I am glad I found the chance to experience this book. It is a far cry from the Tom Cruz movie. The main character is very relatable unlike the movie one.