The Date of the Invasion

by Dylan
(Illinois, Wisconsin)

I once found an article arguing that the date of the invasion was in fact 1898, with examples from the book, but I can no longer find it. Ah well.

In response to your diary comment about Roosevelt's encounter in Global Dispatches, I had always assumed his account came a bit before the invasion proper, and he had discovered a vanguard force. That would explain how he had to head back to the states and rally a force to attack the Martians in Cuba. It's unlikely those Martians survived the tropics of Cuba long enough for him to get a fight out of them, but when the actual invasion hit two years later and he was president, he'd get plenty of fighting.

Unfortunately, because the stories in Global Dispatches are penned by different authors, they don't all agree on details. Despite this, I am generally able to explain away discrepancies where it is needed. (Except Jules Verne's odd account. Usually I just skip that one upon re-reading.)

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Jul 08, 2016
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Sub-Par Mars
by: Dylan

I'd agree that Gullivar's adventure is, for the most part, only worth mentioning in that it might have inspired Carter's. And for its part in the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

If we cosnider "Lieut. Gullivar Jones: His Vacation" to be the weaker precursor to "A Princess of Mars", then "Edison's Conquest of Mars" by Garrett P. Serviss would be the weak follow up to "War of the Worlds".

The storytelling is weak: a good dozen pages are devoted to the reaction of various world leaders to the United States' miraculous volition in avenging Earth against the Martians. Apparently no one else thought to do anything but sit on their hands after the Martians' demise.

Then there's the Martians themselves. They're bipedal humanoids, not at all like Wells' Martians, and they have distinguishable sexes. They are also rather incompetent, falling to the forces of Earth easily.

The only part of "Conquest" that isn't a farce is a brief passage that describes a space walk in a space suit. I've heard some refer to it as the first such case in literature, but I've been unable to confirm the validity of such claims.

Serviss' Martians may too be redeemed by the fans, however. If someone were to write a tale where Wells' Martians lay waste to Serviss', I would be immensely gratified. Perhaps they could repel Edison's invasion as well, just for good measure.

{Note from Zendexor: Sounds good! You are the first person I've heard of who has actually read Serviss' book. I've never seen a copy but I guessed it was probably no classic. An interesting idea, though. I wonder if Edison ever really thought about space travel. Reminds me of Poul Anderson's "The Light", in which it turns out that Leonardo da Vinci anticipated NASA...}

Jul 07, 2016
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Gulliver Jones' Vacation
by: Dylan

In 1905, Edwin Lester Arnold published a book called Lieut. Gulliver Jones: His Vacation. It has a lot of similarities to Burroughs' first book, enough in fact that many regard it as Burrough's inspiration. Lieutenant Jones is a military man (U.S. Navy) who is transported to Mars by supernatural means (magic carpet). On Mars he falls in love with a Princess (Heru) and has adventures. The biggest difference between the books is our hero's success: where Carter excels, Gulliver never quite succeeds. Some blame this for the book's mediocre performance, which discouraged Arnold enough to quit writing. Even today, it's mostly just known for its connection to Barsoom.

Now, if we imagine that Carter and Jones both were indeed transported to Mars (say, different regions, to explain the difference in cultures and technologies), then perhaps the Martian Invasion can also explain the failure of Arnold's book. Aside from possibly being "too soon", a story about an Earthman who doesn't best every Martian he encounters might grind the gears of many patriotic Earthers.

{comment from Zendexor: I must admit that although I acquired a copy of Arnold's book decades ago, I never finished it; I found it unsatisfying - but I don't rule out an attempt at re-reading; the attraction of books changes so much during one's life.}

Jul 06, 2016
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Minor Correction
by: Dylan

That second paragraph ought to say "That would explain how he had TIME to head back to the states and rally a force to attack the Martians in Cuba." My silly phone left out time. At least, I choose to blame the phone!

Now, no matter how we slice it, the invasion happened before Burroughs published "Under the Moons of Mars". I wonder how the world would receive such a book? Perhaps Burroughs might have seen fit to keep his uncle's journals secret, pending more friendly public attitudes toward Mars? Or, maybe they would have been even greater successes than they were, satiating the mass curiosity about the world of Earth's enemies?

{comment from Zendexor: interplanetary relations would indeed be strained after the War of the Worlds; you can just hear people saying, "The only good Martian is a dead Martian" and "string'em up, that's the only thing these Marshies understand", etc, etc. ERB would have had to tread carefully.}

Jul 06, 2016
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Date problem fixed
by: Zendexor

Yes, I see! And come to think of it, the Boxer rising was in 1900, I believe, which, though technically the last year of the 19th century, is closer to Wells' intended date than 1898 is. All this detailed analysis is, as usual, great fun.

The Martian whom Teddy meets in Cuba must have been of an elite variety, full of vim and vigour despite Earth gravity. Maybe from a Martian equivalent of the British SAS or the US Marines.

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