''Wonder of the Worlds'' Sesh Heri, published 2005 by Lost Continent Library, is the first in a trilogy of novels featuring secret agent Harry Houdini facing off against a Martian invasion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Plot introduction
In the first installment, ''Wonder of the Worlds'',
Mark Twain and Houdini pursue Martian agents who have stolen a powerful crystal from Tesla at the historically pivotal 1893 Columbia Exposition in Chicago. Along for the ride aboard Tesla's airship are other historical figures, reporters Lillie West and
George Ade
George Ade (February 9, 1866 – May 16, 1944) was an American writer, syndicated newspaper columnist, and playwright who gained national notoriety at the turn of the 20th century with his "Stories of the Streets and of the Town", a column that ...
, as well as Kolman Czito, Tesla's assistant. On the journey to the Red Planet, the adventurers are treated to a hidden history of conflict between the Earth and
Mars
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the second-smallest planet in the Solar System, only being larger than Mercury. In the English language, Mars is named for the Roman god of war. Mars is a terrestrial planet with a thin at ...
, as well as Tesla's stunning knowledge of
geophysics
Geophysics () is a subject of natural science concerned with the physical processes and physical properties of the Earth and its surrounding space environment, and the use of quantitative methods for their analysis. The term ''geophysics'' so ...
of the two planets. Upon arrival on Mars, the team pursues the crystal deep into the underground civilization ruled by Kel, the mad emperor determined to subjugate Earth with the power of the crystal.
Houdini the Spy?
Almost a year after publication of ''Wonder of the Worlds'', the 2006 release of ''The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero'' by William Kalush and Larry Sloman, presents biographical material supporting the theory that Harry Houdini was, indeed, a secret government agent during the years this trilogy takes place.
Publication
''Wonder of the Worlds'' By Sesh Heri () contains illustrations by the author.
Trilogy
The ''Wonder of the Worlds'' trilogy continues in ''Metamorphosis'' and ''The Lost Pleaid''.
''Wonder of the Worlds'' was featured at the International Tesla Exhibit in Zurich, Switzerland in 2006.
See also
*
Nikola Tesla in popular culture
Nikola Tesla (10 July 1856 – 7 January 1943) is portrayed in many forms of popular culture. The Serbian-American engineer has particularly been depicted in science fiction, a genre which is well suited to address his inventions; while often exa ...
*
Mark Twain in popular culture
Mark Twains legacy includes awards, events, a variety of memorials and namesakes, and numerous works of art, entertainment, and media.
Amusement parks and attractions
* An audio-animatronic of Mark Twain acts as co-host of a show named " The Amer ...