Commentary by science fiction author Dave Creek makes this edition of THE WAR OF THE WORLDS different from others. That commentary includes: -- The early attempts to discover the secrets of the Red Planet. -- How the mythical Martian canals were "discovered." -- How Wells conceived of his story of alien invasion and how he related it to real-world concerns. This volume also features a short story sequel by Dave, "The Adventure of the Martian Cylinder," in which H.G. Wells meets Sherlock Holmes! THE WAR OF THE WORLDS has captivated readers ever since H.G. Wells first alerted us that, ". . . intellects vast and cool and unsympathetic, regarded this earth with envious eyes . . ." Orson Welles directed and starred in a radio version in 1938 said to have caused a national panic. It was also adapted into celebrated film versions by George Pal (1953) and Steven Spielberg (2005).