The War of the Worlds: From H. G. Wells to Orson Welles, Jeff Wayne, Steven Spielberg and Beyond, Peter J. Beck

First published in 1897, H.G. Wellss alien invasion narrative The War of the Worlds was a landmark work of science fiction and one that continues to be adapted and referenced in the 21st century.

Chronicling the novels contexts, its origins and its many multi-media adaptations, this book is a complete biography of the life - and the afterlives - of The War of the Worlds. Exploring the original texts compelling sense of place and vivid recreation of Wellss Woking home and the concerns of fin-de-si cle Britain, the book goes on to chart the novels immediate international impact. Starting with the initial serialisations in US newspapers, Peter Beck goes on to examine Orson Welless legendary 1938 radio adaptation, TV and film adaptations from George Pal to Steven Spielberg, Jeff Waynes rock opera and the numerous other works that have taken their inspiration from Wellss original. Drawing on new archival research, this is a comprehensive account of the continuing impact of The War of the Worlds.