In this episode of Other Worlds, we explore how the mysterious red planet has fascinated writers and scientists for centuries. Mars has inspired many different narratives, including Martian invasions, philosophical reflections on life beyond Earth, visions of terraforming and colonisation.

Joining Sue Berman to discuss the works of H.G. Wells to modern depictions of a colonised Mars in Kim Stanley Robinson’s 'Green Mars' and many more great reads, is Other Worlds exhibition curator Renee Orr.

Visit the onsite exhibition and join us in a series of events and activations:

www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/Other-Worlds-exhibition

For recommended reads visit:

www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/Other-Worlds-reads

Books mentioned in the podcast:

H. G. Wells. The war of the worlds. London: William Heinemann, 1898.

LP booklet. Jeff Wayne’s musical version of 'The war of the worlds', 1978. Cover illustration by Mike Trim. On loan from a private collection.

Louis Pope Gratacap. The certainty of a future life in Mars: being the posthumous papers of Bradford Torrey Dodd. New York: Brentano's, 1903.

Louis Charbonneau. Corpus earthling. New York: Zenith Books, 1960.

Robert A. Heinlein; The rolling Stones. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1952.

Kim Stanley Robinson. Green Mars. New York: A Tom Doherty Associates Book, 1988.

Music credit: https://www.melodyloops.com/tracks/space-harmony/

Image from cover; Louis Charbonneau. Corpus earthling. New York: Zenith Books, 1960.

Produced by Sue Berman and JL.