Epilogue to The War of the Worlds

H. G. Wells, with two polymergravures by Scott Morgan

Outside the context of his famous novel, Wells’ epilogue can be read as a contemporary discussion on humanity’s possible futures, and an argument for making smart choices. The version printed here is from the story’s first collected edition (1897), which was revised from the original serialized version. 

Musician and composer Scott Morgan, working under the pseudonym loscil, has long incorporated his photographs and original videos to his live shows. One of his recurring visual themes is the introduction of negative geometric shapes to the focal center, leaving the viewer’s eye to complete, or construct, the image from the peripheral information. He agreed to contribute two images to bookend the text. These started as analogue (i.e. film) photos, which were then digitized and manipulated in a manner similar to his live videos. The digital images were transferred to polymer intaglio plates, and printed at Peter Braune’s New Leaf Editions studio. 

Text set in 18-pt metal Perpetua, inked & printed by hand on dampened Barcham Green RWS paper. Polymergravures printed on hot-pressed RWS paper at New Leaf Editions. Cased in painted paper over boards, Japanese cloth spine. Printed archival jacket. Edition of 30 numbered copies signed by the artist. Eight printed leaves, 8 x 11.5 inches. $500. Fall 2025