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The Destruction of Shepperton and the Exodus from London

The inexorable progress of the Martian war machines meets an organised military response at Shepperton. Francis Spufford considers a workable strategy against alien invasion.

Francis Spufford walks in the footsteps of Wells all conquering tripods from Woking to Primrose Hill in the company of writers, scientists & historians, exploring the startling array of ideas that fuelled his classic and gives it its lasting impact.

The inexorable progress of the Martian War machines meets an attempt at organized military response at Shepperton. It is desperate and doomed yet not without limited success. Joining Francis along the banks of the Thames to consider a desperate, workable strategy against alien invasion is General Sir Rupert Smith, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander. Meanwhile in London and along the refugee routes northwards to Chipping Barnet Professor Darryl Jones (Trinity College), editor of the forthcoming O.U.P. edition of War of the Worlds, considers how things fall apart & what kind of world Wells wanted to sweep away?
Producer: Mark Burman.

Available now

15 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Wed 8 Mar 2017 11:45
  • Wed 20 Nov 2019 14:15
  • Thu 21 Nov 2019 02:15

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