Handling-Machine (War of the Worlds)

In H. G. Wells' science fiction classic The War of the Worlds, the Martian Invaders used two primary machines, the fighting-machine and the handling-machine.

Related Topics:
H. G. Wells - Science fiction - The War of the Worlds - Martian - Fighting-machine

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The handling-machine is used in Wells' book as a construction machine, making, moving, and assembling machinery. Like the fighting-machines, the handling-machine functions under control of a Martian. (The only machine that was described as functioning autonomously was an embankment-machine which was used to stablize the loose earth around the crater caused by the impact of the Martian projectiles.)

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In Jeff Wayne's musical adaptation of The War of the Worlds, the Handling Machine also served as the primary vehicle for capturing humans (a cage for holding them was placed on the 'back' of the machine). This is one of the few obvious inconsistencies with Wells' descriptions of the machines as Wells had written that the fighting-machines had the cages and did the capturing.

Related Topics:
Jeff Wayne - Musical adaptation of ''The War of the Worlds''

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One of the best depictions of a handling-machine based on Wells' description was designed and built by master model builder Martin Bower.

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