Current Exhibition & Auction

Auction 739 April.

Boston
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Lot 512

H. G. Wells and Orson Welles

Opening: $200

Estimate: $400 - $600

Vintage fountain pen signatures, "H. G. Wells" and "Orson Welles," on an off-white 3.25 x 2.25 card. In fine condition, with paperclip impression to the left edge.

H.G. Wells wrote The War of the Worlds in 1898, pioneering science fiction with his story of a Martian invasion of Earth that explored themes of imperialism and human vulnerability. In 1938, Orson Welles adapted the novel into a radio drama for CBS, presenting it as a series of realistic news bulletins that described a fictional alien invasion in real time. The broadcast became famous for causing widespread panic among listeners who believed the events were actually happening, cementing Wells and Welles in cultural history.