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The War of the Worlds  By  cover art

The War of the Worlds

By: H. G. Wells
Narrated by: Christopher Hurt
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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)

What listeners say about The War of the Worlds

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

It's Better Then The Radio Show!

Everyone Should Own This Audio Book For There Audio Collection.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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  • 08-29-05

Awesome Audio

This was a great audiobook. While the story may start off slow, the writing is excellent. A must listen for all audiobook fans!

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

original story

much different from the movies we know, a very Edwardian science fiction masterpiece. A must read, listen to for everyone

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story

Great narration of a great story. In short, this book chronicles the experiences of a man (and to some extent his brother) witnessing the arrival of hostile visitors from mars in the England of 100yrs ago. It's very entertaining to follow the main character around as he watches things go from bad to worse for mankind.
It is a crime that the somewhat-recent Tom Cruz movie was allowed the same title. The movie and book share little. The complications of antique technology give the book's story an extra feeling of suspense and helplessness that is lost in a modern day translation.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great reading of an all time classic

I enjoyed the narration and appreciated the story. I revisited the story after almost 50 years.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it!!!

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

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