Subject
Imaginary wars and battles -- Fiction Books
Best books
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The war of the worlds
"The War of the Worlds" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel written between 1895 and 1897. When Martians with superior intelligence and advanced weapons invade Earth, humanity faces extinction. The extraterrestrials emerge from metal cylinders, wielding devastating heat rays and toxic chemical weapons as they methodically destroy England's defenses. An unnamed narrator struggles to survive the carnage and reunite with his wife while civilization collapses around him. One of the earliest alien invasion stories, Wells's novel explores humanity's vulnerability against an unstoppable force.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The World Set Free
"The World Set Free" by H. G. Wells is a novel written in 1913 and published in 1914. Wells envisions a devastating future war in 1956 where both sides wield atomic bombs—crude but continuously burning weapons that leave battlefields radioactive for years. As civilization collapses under nuclear destruction, humanity faces a choice: descend into barbarism or unite under a world government. The novel explores how uncontrolled atomic energy forces mankind to abandon the nation-state system and embrace global cooperation to survive.
August Niemann
The Coming Conquest of England
"The Coming Conquest of England" by August Niemann is a historical narrative written in the early 20th century that speculates on a potential military conflict between Russia and England. The book engages with contemporary geopolitical tensions and presents a vivid depiction of a council meeting in Russia, where various state officials discuss strategic moves against British dominance, suggesting a possible alliance of France, Germany, and Russia. The narrative sets the stage for a dramatic exploration of war, national honor, and imperial ambitions as it envisions Russia's military aspirations toward India. The opening of the text introduces readers to a critical meeting at the Imperial Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, attended by key military and political figures. Led by Grand Duke Michael, the participants express grave concerns over the encroaching influence of England and the aggression shown by Japan, perceived as proxies for British insecurity. A sense of urgency permeates their discussions as they explore military strategies to secure Russian interests in Central Asia and India. Tension builds around the prospect of war, reflecting characters' convictions that a coordinated effort among major powers could liberate Europe from England’s grasp. This vivid portrayal of strategic council dynamics foreshadows significant events that will unfold as the narrative progresses.
E. E. (Edward Elmer) Smith
First Lensman
"First Lensman" by E. E. Smith is a space opera novel published in 1950. The story chronicles Virgil Samms, the first being chosen to wear the Lens—a telepathic badge of authority granted by the benevolent Arisians. As founding leader of the Galactic Patrol, Samms must recruit worthy Lensmen across alien worlds to defend Civilization against corrupt politicians, drug traffickers, and space pirates. All leads converge toward a single enemy, culminating in massive space battles and a desperate political campaign to secure humanity's future.
Eric Rücker Eddison
The Worm Ouroboros: A Romance
"The Worm Ouroboros: A Romance" by Eric Rücker Eddison is a heroic high fantasy novel published in 1922. Set in an imaginary medieval world, it chronicles the epic war between the domineering King Gorice of Witchland and the Lords of Demonland. Written in seventeenth-century English and incorporating Norse saga influences, the story follows quests through treacherous mountains, sorcerous battles, and heroic struggles. The tale culminates in a climactic confrontation—and an unexpected twist that transforms victory into something far more mysterious.
William D. (William Delbert) Gann
The tunnel thru the air : $b or, Looking back from 1940
"The Tunnel Thru the Air, Or, Looking Back from 1940" by William Delbert Gann is a science fiction novel written in 1927. The author claimed the book contains a "valuable secret, clothed in veiled language," which some traders believe encodes financial astrology techniques. The story follows Robert Gordon from his birth in 1906 through a lost love that drives him to become history's greatest inventor, culminating in an imaginary war from 1930 to 1932 where his inventions help America triumph.
Cleveland Moffett
The Conquest of America: A Romance of Disaster and Victory, U.S.A., 1921 A.D.
"The Conquest of America: A Romance of Disaster and Victory, U.S.A., 1921 A.D." by Cleveland Moffett is a fictional narrative that was written during the early 20th century. This gripping tale explores the hypothetical scenario of a major German invasion of the United States in the aftermath of World War I, drawing on themes of military preparedness and national identity. The narrative centers around James E. Langston, a war correspondent for the "London Times," who experiences the turbulent events and catastrophic military failures firsthand, offering readers a lens through which to understand the dire consequences of unpreparedness. At the start of this narrative, the reader is introduced to James E. Langston, who is stationed in Panama and discusses the imminent threat posed by a potentially aggressive Japan, highlighting the United States' lack of military readiness. In a dramatic twist, the Panama Canal is destroyed, signaling the beginning of hostilities with Germany, who seizes the moment to launch a surprise invasion of America. The chaos escalates as German forces invade Long Island, overwhelming American defenses and prompting fears of a full-scale occupation of New York City. The opening chapters set a tense tone, portraying the emotional and strategic dilemmas faced by both military leaders and ordinary citizens as they grapple with the sudden realization of their vulnerability.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
La guerre des mondes
"La guerre des mondes" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel written between 1895 and 1897. When Martians launch an invasion of Earth with devastating heat rays and towering war machines, humanity faces extinction at the hands of a vastly superior alien intelligence. An unnamed narrator struggles to survive as Southern England falls to the merciless invaders, witnessing the collapse of civilization and searching desperately for his wife amid the chaos and destruction.
P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
The Swoop! or, How Clarence Saved England: A Tale of the Great Invasion
"The Swoop! or, How Clarence Saved England: A Tale of the Great Invasion" by P. G. Wodehouse is a short comic novel published in 1909. England faces simultaneous invasion by nine foreign armies, but the British public remains oddly indifferent, more concerned with cricket scores than military threats. When invading commanders become distracted by music hall opportunities, an unlikely hero emerges: fourteen-year-old Clarence Chugwater and his Boy Scouts. This satirical tale lampoons the popular invasion literature of the era.
A. J. (Alec John) Dawson
The Message
"The Message" by A. J. Dawson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the life and experiences of Richard Mordan, a young man navigating his way through the complexities of London after the death of his father. The narrative delves into themes of social reform, the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, and the introspective dilemmas facing the protagonist as he grapples with his ideals against the backdrop of societal indifference. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Richard Mordan, a product of his time, as he reflects on his childhood, family dynamics, and the implications of his father’s death on their modest lives. Richard’s relationships with his sister Lucy and his friend Leslie Wheeler set the stage for his eventual journey to London, where he hopes to establish himself as a journalist and contribute to societal change. The opening chapters detail Richard's observations about the world around him, highlighting his discontent with social inequality and his desire for reform, which foreshadows the conflicts and developments he will face as he embarks on his new life in the bustling metropolis.
George Chetwynd Griffith
The World Masters
"The World Masters" by George Chetwynd Griffith is a novel written in the early 20th century. This science fiction work blends elements of political intrigue and complex character relationships, focusing on themes of power, ambition, and manipulation. The story centers around Doctor Emil Fargeau, a brilliant scientist who, in his desperation to see France reclaim its greatness, invents a device capable of inflicting unparalleled destruction on their enemies. The opening of the novel introduces us to Doctor Emil Fargeau, who is in a fervent state of anticipation within his laboratory in Strasbourg, preparing for a crucial experiment that could change the fate of nations. As he succeeds in shattering a steel plate with his invention, he envisions a future where France dominates the world again, alongside his son's potential bride, Adelaide de Condé, a descendant of noble lineage. Simultaneously, we glimpse the romantic and diplomatic tensions brewing at the German Embassy in Petersburg, where the prince and his beautiful daughter, whom Emil views as essential to his plans, are entwined in the complex web of European politics. This dramatic juxtaposition sets the stage for a fascinating exploration of the intertwining fates of these characters and the catastrophic global implications of Fargeau's discovery.
Douglas Morey Ford
The Raid of Dover: A Romance of the Reign of Woman, A.D. 1940
"The Raid of Dover: A Romance of the Reign of Woman, A.D. 1940" by Douglas Morey Ford is a speculative fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative presents an alternate historical reality where England is on the verge of collapse due to political turmoil caused by socialism and the women's suffrage movement. The story focuses on key characters such as Wilson Renshaw, a brilliant MP, and Nicholas Jardine, the Labour Prime Minister, as England grapples with its changing societal norms and governmental structure. At the start of the novel, the author introduces Wilson Renshaw, who is facing significant personal and political pressure during a time of heightened nationalism and social upheaval. After a nervous breakdown, Renshaw retreats to Egypt, where he mysteriously disappears, presumed dead. Meanwhile, Nicholas Jardine rises to power amidst the chaos, utilizing his political influence to navigate the growing tensions in society, particularly surrounding women's rights and the potential for revolution. The opening chapters set the stage for a profound exploration of gender dynamics, power struggles, and the fragility of a once-mighty empire, foreshadowing the intense conflict that lies ahead.
Recently surfaced classics