H.G. Wells

A first edition, first printing of War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells.

• H.G. Wells (English).
• London: Heinemann, 1898.
• Bound in publishers original grey cloth with black titling to the front board and spine, Heinemann company logo to rear board, with 16 catalogue pages to the rear.

The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells depicts a devastating Martian invasion of Earth, told from the viewpoint of an unnamed narrator fleeing destruction across England. Wells blends cutting-edge science with social critique as heat-rays, tripods and toxic “black smoke” overwhelm human defences. The novel explores imperialism, vulnerability and survival while pioneering modern science fiction. Humanity’s eventual salvation—through microbes—underscores Wells’ theme that even the most powerful invaders remain subject to nature’s unseen forces.