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Start giftingThe War of the Worlds
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Learn moreThere 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.
H.G. Wells (1866–1946) was born in Bromley, Kent, and was apprenticed to a draper and a chemist before he made his way to the Royal College of Science where he studied biology. He was a prolific writer of contemporary novels, history, and social commentary. As an advocate of progress and peace, his writing changed in later years as he began to examine suffrage, the trials of life, particularly for the lower and middle classes, and the emergence of feminist ideals that pushed against the constraints of a largely patriarchal society.
John Rayburn is a veteran of over sixty years in broadcasting. He served as a news/sports anchor and show host, and his TV newscast achieved the largest share of audience figures of any major-market TV newscast in the nation. John is a member of the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. He is well suited to bring fascinating stories to life concerning the people, places, and things that combine to present lively observations of our day-to-day lives.