H.G. Wells created The War of the Worlds, his archetypical story of alien invasion, amidst an 1890s backdrop of rampant and rapid industrialization, global British hegemony, and incipient war with Europe-all of which are reflected in his tale of Martian attack. The story remains startlingly relevant today in our era wracked with worldwide concerns over terrorism and national security. This new edition--with an introduction by mass-psychology expert Robert E. Bartholomew and classic illustrations by Alvin-Correa--is sure to enthrall and intrigue yet another generation of readers.