Never on Mars

Never on Mars by John Wyndham

John Wyndham, born John Wyndham Parkes Lucas Beynon Harris on July 10, 1903, in Knowle, near Birmingham, England, is a pivotal figure in the science fiction genre. Often referred to as the “master of the cozy catastrophe,” Wyndham’s works stand out for their exploration of apocalyptic scenarios grounded in everyday life.

In the 1930s, Wyndham began contributing to American pulp science fiction magazines. His early work, however, didn’t garner much critical or commercial success.Wyndham’s experiences during World War II had a profound influence on his writing. He served as a censor in the Ministry of Information and also participated in the Normandy invasion. Witnessing the devastation of war firsthand deepened his interest in themes of survival, societal collapse, and humanity’s ability to adapt to catastrophic changes—issues that would permeate his later works.

His breakout novel, "The Day of the Triffids" (1951), catapulted Wyndham to fame. The story imagines a world where a spectacular meteor shower renders most of humanity blind, leaving Earth vulnerable to attack by mobile, carnivorous plants called Triffids. The novel is often praised for its combination of speculative science fiction and believable characters, as well as its exploration of humanity’s resilience and moral dilemmas in the face of disaster. "The Day of the Triffids" remains one of his most celebrated works and has been adapted into films, radio dramas, and television series.

Wyndham followed up this success with a string of influential novels, including "The Kraken Wakes" (1953), "The Chrysalids" (1955), and "The Midwich Cuckoos" (1957).

Despite his success, Wyndham was a private and modest individual. He never sought the spotlight and rarely granted interviews. Wyndham passed away on March 11, 1969, at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential science fiction writers of the 20th century.

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Audiobook: 24 September 2024