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Title details for The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells - Available

The War of the Worlds

by H.G. Wells
John Banks
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available

A meteor-like alien object lands on Earth, spearheading an apocalyptic chain of events. Earth has been watched, and now the aliens have landed and their intent is conquest and war...

H. G. Wells's The War of the Worlds, the first story to speculate about the consequences of aliens (from Mars) with superior technology landing on earth, is one of the most influential science fiction books ever written. The novel is both a thrilling narrative and an elaboration of Wells's socio-political thought on the subjects of imperialism, humankind's treatment of other animals, and unquestioning faith in military technology and the continuation of the human species.

About The Reader

John Banks is one of the UK's most prolific audiobook narrators, working for the likes of Big Finish, Audible, Random House and Games Workshop. He is a true multi-voice, creating everything from monsters to marauding aliens. He is also an accomplished stage and TV actor.

About The Author 

Herbert George Wells was a novelist, teacher, historian and journalist, who has become known as the "father of science fiction." His works have been adapted countless times, and provided the basis for many literary and theatrical productions.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    March 13, 2022

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781669694489
      • File size: 178677 KB
      • Duration: 06:12:14

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      H.G. Wells's classic novel of alien invasion, published in 1898, seems to thrive on being adapted for screen and audio. Its most famous incarnation may have been the most convincing audio performance of all time: Orson Welles's panic-inducing broadcast of 1938. Sean Barrett may not have listeners running into the streets, but his work in this recording is superb. He is utterly convincing as the novel's narrator, a turn-of the-century English gentleman. The characters this narrator meets during the invasion are rendered with wonderful accents, too. The novel feels like something of a chestnut today, but Barrett's reading brings out of all the urgency and energy the text has to offer. D.B. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      Adapted for radio by Orson Welles and first broadcast in 1938, H.G. Wells's classic tale of aliens landing on earth is still powerful and compelling. Nimoy's presentation is low-key and chilling. A classic for every audio collection. R.F.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      Adapted for radio by Orson Welles and first broadcast in 1938, H.G. Wells's classic tale of aliens landing on earth is still powerful and compelling. The star-studded cast presents a lively, dynamic program that simulates a contemporary radio program. The vitality and immediacy of the full cast fulfills Welles's intention. A classic for every audio collection. R.F.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      Prepare to be thrilled, chilled, terrorized, and--well, absolutely charmed by this remastering of the BBC's 1967 radio dramatization of H.G. Wells's science-fiction classic. For those who don't know, Martians (giant, squishy, potato-shaped creatures) invade Earth, seeking a warm new home to replace their cooling red planet. As British astronomer John Nicholson relates, the inhabitants of England are literally driven underground as they battle the fearsome, scientifically advanced creatures. The cast, including Paul Daneman as Nicholson and Martin Jarvis as his assistant, are uniformly stellar, offering believable, never campy, characterizations. Background noises, from the clink of a soup spoon to the hum of the Martian heat ray, subtly support the story. This is huge fun. A.C.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      Dick Hill can add another outstanding performance to his resume with his spellbinding narration of Wells's thrilling classic. Hill's deep, sonorous voice rises and falls as he characterizes the unfortunate narrator and the vivid details of the horrific Martian attack on Earth. Hill's slow pace and serious tone help to heighten the suspense of the story, and he excels at bringing the dialogue to life, ranting the irrational words of the insane curate and moaning the dying cry of the last Martian. While he skillfully delivers the text, Hill does not overwhelm the story by being overly dramatic. He gives a masterful reading, vibrantly enhancing the text and driving the dramatic tension of the plot. T.D.M. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      The story of one man wandering through England after it has been invaded by Martians is familiar as it was the inspiration for Orson Welles's famous radio dramatization of alien invasion, which caused widespread panic when it was broadcast in 1938. Sean Barrett's reading makes the original work sound fresh. At first, his cultured British voice gives the novel the sound of a historical document as he relates the facts about the Martians. His delivery seems, at times, too restrained, but it provides contrast amid the dramatic situation, as when the narrator misses his wife or longs for a "civilized dinner." While Barrett maintains the tone of a stiff upper lip throughout, he provides a rougher voice for the protagonist's encounter with a man who embraces a belief in survival of the fittest. Barrett's narration makes this a good introduction to H.G. Wells's classic. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      In this expansive yet concise adaptation, The Colonial Radio Players stay true to H.G. Wells's iconic story of a Martian invasion of Victorian England. Though action-driven, the story is shaped by themes of scientific progress, evolution, and religion, which are thoroughly highlighted in lively exchanges between the characters. As Richard Pearson, the story's protagonist, narrator David Ault offers an innocent sense of wonderment that tempers the sense of impending doom. Perfectly synchronized with plot and character, the impressive soundscape creates an immediate reality that grounds listeners in place while driving tension. Transitions between scenes are marked by abrupt pauses, and while initially distracting, they become a useful signal to prepare listeners for the plot shifts in this fast-paced drama. A.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2014 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      Narrator Gerry O'Brien stretches out the word "fear" to emphasize the shock on planet Earth when Martians arrive. The story is perfect for an audiobook as it lets O'Brien express a range of emotions as the protagonist describes the horrific invasion and his desperate fight for survival. Few other characters speak, but O'Brien conjures a memorable, harder voice for the monologue of the artilleryman who plots out humanity's bleak survival. His pride in his strength is evident. Wells's takes on news and cultural views may especially interest listeners who are familiar with the national panic created by this story when it was first aired on the radio in 1938. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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