The War of the Worlds (1898), by Herbert George Wells, is an early science fiction novel, describing an invasion of late Victorian England by Martians using Tripod fighting machines, equipped with advanced weaponry. It is considered one of the most important foundation works of Science Fiction, and the seminal depiction of an alien invasion of Earth.
The novel is narrated by an anonymous journalist, living in the area where the invaders first land. Throughout the narrative he struggles to reunite with his wife and brother, while witnessing the Martians spreading destruction across the Southern English counties and London itself, destroying all human resistance. Finding London an abandoned ruin, and seeing little hope for humankind, he decides to sacrifice himself to the invaders, only to discover that they have succumbed to the effects of Earth bacteria, to which they have no immunity.
It has been related to Invasion literature at the time of publication. It has been interpreted as a commentary on evolutionary theory, Colonialism, Imperialism and The British Empire, and the fears and prejudices of late Victorian culture.
It has influenced many works of literature, film and other media, as well as spawning several films, radio dramas, comic book adaptations, a television series, and a number of sequels or parallel stories written by other authors.
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