A Landmark Science Fiction Story
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells is one of the earliest and most popular science fiction stories about an extraterrestrial invasion of Earth. It was first published in Pearson’s Magazine in 1897 as a 9-part serial.
Bringing the Story to Life
This iconic alien invasion story was illustrated mostly by Warwick Goble with the help of Cosmo Rowe on the opening image and one additional illustration.
Pioneering Science Fiction Art
Goble's illustrations are some of the earliest works depicting laser beams and interpretations of what extraterrestrials might look like. These illustrations drew on the existing and emerging technologies of the Victorian era.
Goble illustrated the Martians with articulate cable-like tentacles and legs like the wooden camera tripods of the time. Their bodies were rounded like two joined shields.
The War of the Worlds '"Hit!" Shouted I". (1897) by H.G. Wells and Warwick GobleOriginal Source: University of Sydney Library, Stone, Graham 016
Wells was not a fan of this artistic interpretation.
The War of the Worlds first edition (1898) by H.G. WellsOriginal Source: University of Sydney Library, SF W454 J14 2
Illustrations Removed
When the story was later published as a book in 1898, the first British edition did not include any illustrations. There was, however, a new addition to the story, reflecting Wells' disapproval about the Pearson’s Magazine illustrations.
“I recall particularly the illustration of one of the first pamphlets to give a consecutive account of the war. […] To my mind, the pamphlet would have been much better without them.” - H.G. Wells, The War of the Worlds, p. 204-205
Even if Wells disliked the original illustrations, their impact was undeniable. Frank R. Paul's pulp art, published 30 years later, show a clear visual link to the illustrations first published in Pearson's Magazine.
The Rebrand
It was not until Wells met Brazilian illustrator Alvim Corrêa that he found an artist who captured his vision for The War of the Worlds. Corrêa's illustrations appeared in the 1906 French edition of La Guerre des Mondes.
The War of the Worlds, illustration for chapter 26 (1906) by H.G. Wells and Alvim CorrêaOriginal Source: University of Sydney Library, SF W454 J14 TF 2
In 1903, Corrêa was inspired after reading The War of the Worlds and created illustrations of the Martian invaders. In 1904, Corrêa approached Wells with completed illustrations before he was commissioned to create them, asking permission to publish them in a limited edition.
Illustration for chapter 12 of 'The War of the Worlds' (1906) by H.G. Wells and Alvim CorrêaOriginal Source: University of Sydney Library, SF W454 J14 TF 2
Though influenced by Goble's illustrations, Corrêa’s imagery became the definitive visual interpretation of the story.
Corrêa's illustrations offered a darker interpretation of The War of the Worlds, focused on the apocalyptic dread and devastation wrought by a technologically superior invasion.
A Visual Legacy
The artists who collaborated with Wells on The War of the Worlds created an iconic visual representation of an alien invasion. This representation continues to resonate in popular culture more than a century later.
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