The War of the Worlds and the War in the Air (Wordsworth Classics)

Name: The War of the Worlds and the War in the Air (Wordsworth Classics)
SKU: 9781840227420
Availability: InStock

EGP350.00

Book Summary

With an Introduction and Notes by Dr Andrew Frayn, Lecturer in Twentieth-Century Literature and Culture at Edinburgh Napier University.In these two compelling novels H.G. Wells imagines terrifying futures in which civilisation itself is threatened.

The narrator of The War of the Worlds is quick to discover that what appeared to be a falling star was, in fact, a metallic cylinder landing from Mars. Six million people begin to flee London in panic as tentacled invaders emerge and overpower the city. With their heat-ray, killing machines, black gas, and a taste for fresh human blood, is there anything that can be done to stop the Martians?

In The War in the Air, naive but resourceful Bert Smallways is thrilled by speed and fascinated by the new flying machines. His curiosity sweeps him away by accident into a German plan to conquer America, beginning with the destruction of New York. The ease of movement in aerial warfare means that nothing and nobody is safe as Total War erupts, civilisation crumbles, and Bert’s hopes of getting back to London to marry his love seem impossibly distant.

Language: English
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Wordsworth Editions (2017)
ISBN-10: 1840227427
ISBN-13: 9781840227420
Genre: Classics
Size: 12.6 cm x 19.6 cm
Shipping Weight: 57 grams
Condition: New

SKU: 9781840227420 Categories: Books, Classics, English Books Author: H.G. Wells

REFUND AND RETURN POLICY

The War of the Worlds and the War in the Air (Wordsworth Classics)

The War of the Worlds and the War in the Air (Wordsworth Classics) Book Description

Readers will be drawn into two of H.G. Wells’s most powerful visions of the future when they open The War of the Worlds and the War in the Air (Wordsworth Classics). Dr. Andrew Frayn provides a helpful introduction and notes that place the stories in their historical context, making the classic tales accessible to modern readers. The first novel follows a terrified London narrator who discovers that a falling star is actually a Martian cylinder, sparking a panic‑filled flight of six million people. Meanwhile, the second story follows Bert Smallways, a curious youngster whose love of speed thrusts him into a German aerial invasion of America.

Key Features of The War of the Worlds and the War in the Air

Throughout both narratives, Wells examines how technology can threaten civilization itself. In The War of the Worlds, the invaders wield heat‑rays, black gas, and a taste for fresh human blood, creating a desperate fight for survival. In The War in the Air, the ease of aerial warfare means no place is safe, and total war quickly erodes societal order. Additionally, the edition includes detailed notes that explain antiquated language and scientific ideas, helping readers appreciate the depth of Wells’s imagination.

Furthermore, the paperback is compact yet substantial, measuring 12.6 cm × 19.6 cm and containing 432 pages of vivid storytelling. The high‑quality printing and durable binding ensure that the book will endure repeated readings. Moreover, the lightweight design—only 57 grams—makes it easy to carry on the go, whether you travel by train or relax at home.

Why Read This Book?

Fans of classic science‑fiction will enjoy Wells’s skillful blend of suspense, social commentary, and visionary speculation. The story explores timeless themes such as humanity’s vulnerability, the ethics of technological advancement, and the resilience of the human spirit. Meanwhile, readers new to the genre will find the fast‑paced plot and vivid characters engaging and thought‑provoking. Because the book pairs two related tales, it offers a broader view of how Wells imagined the future of warfare, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

About This Book

Published by Wordsworth Editions in 2017, this edition presents both novels in a single, affordable volume. ISBN‑10: 1840227427; ISBN‑13: 9781840227420. The language is English and the condition is brand new. For further information, you can check the Goodreads entry here. Also, explore more English classics in our store via this link. This edition is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to experience the thrilling, cautionary tales that have shaped modern science‑fiction.