The Martian Epic

The Martian Epic, written in 1921, is a ground-breaking novel on several levels. First, as a sequel of sorts to H.-G. Wells' War of the Worlds, which is treated here as a prophetic vision heralding the all-out, destructive Martian attack of 1978. Second, as a post-cataclysmic epic, in which a handful of scientists battle hordes of cannibals and anarchists roaming a devastated Earth, while trying to rebuild its civilization. Finally, as a startlingly original cosmic saga, in which souls travel inward through the Solar System to end up one with the Sun--the true reason for the Martian invasion.