The Invasion


Read by Tom Weiss

(4.3 stars; 52 reviews)

This novel, also known as The Invasion of 1910, is a 1906 novel written mainly by William Le Queux (with H. W. Wilson providing the naval chapters). It is one of the more famous examples of Invasion literature and is an example of pre-World War I Germanophobia, as it preached the need to prepare for war with Germany. The book takes the form of a military history and includes excerpts from the characters' journals and letters and descriptions of the fictional German campaign itself. The novel originally appeared in serial form in the Daily Mail newspaper from 19 March 1906, and was a huge success. The newspaper's circulation increased greatly, and it made a small fortune for Le Queux, eventually being translated into twenty-seven languages and selling over one million copies in book form.

It is centered on an invasion by the Germans, who have managed to land a sizable invasion force on the East Coast of England. They advance inland, cutting all telegraph lines and despoiling farmland as they go, and the British struggle to mount a proper defense. The Germans eventually reach London and occupy half the city. A junior Member of Parliament declares that "Britain is not defeated" and organizes a resistance movement, the "League of Defenders", despite harsh reprisals by the Germans and a severe lack of arms. The Germans seem unable to combat this and tighten their control of London, and suddenly find themselves faced with a popular uprising. Eventually a newly-formed British Army marches to liberate London. The fictional war, however, is a stalemate since it appears that German forces have managed to occupy Belgium and the Netherlands. (Introduction by Wikipedia) (10 hr 34 min)

Chapters

01 - Preface and Book 1, Chapter 1, The Surprise 32:02 Read by Tom Weiss
02 - Effect In The City 18:06 Read by Tom Weiss
03 - News Of The Enemy 25:26 Read by Tom Weiss
04 - A Prophecy Fulfilled 15:50 Read by Tom Weiss
05 - State of Siege Declared 23:07 Read by Tom Weiss
06 - How The Enemy Dealt The Blow 24:46 Read by Tom Weiss
07 - Desperate Fighting In Essex 54:36 Read by Tom Weiss
08 - Defence At Last 31:36 Read by Tom Weiss
09 - British Success At Royston 24:13 Read by Tom Weiss
10 - British Abandon Colchester 19:29 Read by Tom Weiss
11 - Fierce Fighting At Chelmsford 24:51 Read by Tom Weiss
12 - Book 2, Chapter 1, The Lines of London 22:05 Read by Tom Weiss
13 - Repluse Of The Germans 19:28 Read by Tom Weiss
14 - Battle of Epping 33:20 Read by Tom Weiss
15 - Bombardment of London 35:37 Read by Tom Weiss
16 - The Rain of Death 26:40 Read by Tom Weiss
17 - Fall Of London 27:39 Read by Tom Weiss
18 - Germans Sacking The Banks 41:02 Read by Tom Weiss
19 - Defences of South London 18:03 Read by Tom Weiss
20 - Revolts In Shoreditch and Islington 25:27 Read by Tom Weiss
21 - Book 3, Chapter 1, A Blow For Freedom 30:06 Read by Tom Weiss
22 - Scenes At Waterloo Bridge 12:04 Read by Tom Weiss
23 - Great British Victory 21:15 Read by Tom Weiss
24 - Massacre of Germans In London 17:58 Read by Tom Weiss
25 - How The War Ended 9:37 Read by Tom Weiss

Reviews


(1.5 stars)

Interesting but repetitive in spots. Most Americans will not relate to the English geography. Ending a little contrived and obvious. This was certainly a piece that was written to argue for war preparation prior to WW 1.

Listener


(4.5 stars)

Riveting, great author, in many ways quite prophetic. Very well read, tho bit "tinny" sound effect can be distracting. Very good bet this author and reader:)

An interesting listen


(5 stars)

This book held my interest, and the reader is excellent. Upon reflection, I'm left to wonder if the League of Defenders may have been a precursor to the League of Nations, which didn't come about until a decade after the publication of this book. Either way, this story is well described and a very interesting listen.

you won't believe it was written pre war


(5 stars)

fantastic

invasion


(5 stars)

History seems to repeating itself only this time it's America. Safety comes thru strength. Our military has been weakend like never before. Politicians should read this book and hopefully learn.


(3.5 stars)

A bit slow in the middle but an interesting consideration. Interesting if you are familiar with the places mentioned.