The Space Machine (Valancourt 20th Century Classics)

By Christopher Priest

Book Overview

When a young Victorian couple inadvertently tamper with Sir William Reynolds's latest invention, a time-space machine, they find themselves flung not only into the future but also across the void of space. Now, trapped on an alien world with a landscape of weird vegetation and overseen by giant, long-legged machines operated by gruesome octopus-like creatures, they must find a way to survive. And when they learn that the monsters are plotting an invasion of Earth, can they find a way to return home and save the planet?

Written as a tribute to H.G. Wells and drawing on elements of his celebrated novels The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds, Christopher Priest's The Space Machine (1976) is a thrilling adventure that ranks among his most enjoyable works.

"This is an astonishing change of pace for Mr. Priest, and one which extends his powers in ways which reveal him as one of the best and most persuasive young British writers." - The Times (London)

"First rate ... science fiction at its best " - Los Angeles Herald-Examiner

"A novel that is unusual for its kind, a science fiction story with recognizable characters and a sense of style, atmosphere and humour. Imaginative and full of amusing curiosities." - Sunday Express

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 194391026X
• ISBN13: 9781943910267
• Release Date: June 2023
• Publisher: Valancourt Books
• Length: 334 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Very good book

I was a bit skeptical when I first got this book. But when I started reading I couldn't put it down. It is kind of a sequel to H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds and The Time Machine and Christopher Priest proves true to the originals. I recommend this book to any sci-fi fan.

A great book...

A Victorian scientific romance set in the world of the Time Machine and War of the Worlds. A man and woman are shot off into Time and Space to find themselves on Mars before the invasion. Don't worry, I haven't given anything away that the cover of the book won't have. The book is rich in details, in the mystery of Mars and its culture. Everything you could expect from H.G. Wells himself (if he wrote 361 pages).

A MUST HAVE!

I absolutely loved this book! There are so many things to like about it...--It's connections to both The Time Machine AND War of the Worlds.--A beautiful feeling of love a man shows for a woman (from his point-of-view for a change).--Countless twists and turns.--True characters, true imagination. Get a copy and cherish it!

A charming Victorian Romance with Sci Fi Adventure

I first came across this book in 1977 when I was only 19.From page one I was hooked, starting off seemingly like a Victorian romantic Novel, it quicky becomes a Sci Fi mystery, then high adventure on a planet not to far away from our own.You won't be able to put the book down as the plot unfolds, and becomes, well...hauntingly familiar.Do try it !