• The War of the Worlds

  • By: H. G. Wells
  • Narrated by: John Rayburn
  • Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins
  • 2.5 out of 5 stars (2 ratings)

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The War of the Worlds

By: H. G. Wells
Narrated by: John Rayburn
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Publisher's summary

There were signs that H. G. Wells wasn’t quite sure how to end his famous story The War of the Worlds, which featured an invasion from the planet Mars. He certainly knew how to do the story itself and pointed out Martians were highly advanced over humans in their technology.

Wells used an unnamed narrator telling the tale in first person with input from his brother. The book was published in 1898, and even with the passing of years, there are no present day traces of life on Mars, a reality that would have undoubtedly disappointed the author. Some of his thoughts about the other planet were of a strictly imaginary nature.

In any case, he, like many others of today, would undoubtedly ask the question, “Can prophecy someday become reality?” It brings up a personal reaction … are you optimistic? … pessimistic? Make your own choice. No matter what you are, either one can provide you with some very listenable material in the two premises involved: Book one, The Coming of the Martians, and book two, The Earth Under the Martians.

Sci-fi has been an extremely interesting and exhilarating form of literature created by a number of top-notch writers. They owe a debt of sorts to Wells for leading the way. Listen now to understand more fully.

Public Domain (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

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bad narration

the story is not bad, a classic even. none the less, the narrator seemed buried, with a complete disregard for cadence, inflection, or rhythm. the sorry itself is a classic, when read by a good orator, is compelling, and draws you in to feel what the character feels. this just seemed hurried, complacent, and lazy.

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