When the Tripods Came

Book Details:

Hardback edition published by Viking, 1988. First edition.

Sleeve notes:

This is the story of an Earth once ruled by humans, now lost for ever. An Earth before the Tripods came.

Crouching, terrified, in a moorland barn, Laurie and Andy witness the arrival of the first Tripod on Earth. The destruction it displays is only a weak demonstration of Tripod power. More and more arrive. They take over people's minds and Earth looks set for Tripod domination and perpetual slavery. How can one family survive?

This thrilling adventure story precedes the novels in the Tripods trilogy and is a superb introduction to these legendary science fiction monsters.

Book Source:

Solihull Libraries

Book Details:

Paperback edition published by Collier Books, New York 1990.

Sleeve notes:

When it comes to alien invasions, bad things come in threes.

Three landings. One in England, one in Russia and one in the United States.

Three long legs, crushing everything in their paths.

Three metallic arms, snaking out to embrace - and then discard - their helpless victims.

Three evil beings, called Tripods, which will change life on this planet forever.

In this gripping start to the Tripod series, an English schoolboy struggles to free himself from the Tripods . . .  and then devise a plan to destroy them.

Book Source:

Terry Jenkins

Book Details:

Paperback edition published by Puffin, London, 1990. First impression.

Sleeve notes:

Laurie and Andy witness the exciting and terrifying arrival of the first Tripod on Earth. 

The destruction it displays is only a weak demonstration of Tripod power. 

As more and more arrive these sinister machines begin to take over young people's minds and Earth looks set for Tripod domination. How can one family survive?

A compelling story and superb introduction to these legendary science-fiction monsters, taking us back before the events of the Tripods trilogy.

Book Source:

Terry Jenkins (with thanks to Peter Stevenson for his kind donation).