Preface and Chapter 1 Summary

This novel for young adults is the first in a series of books about the Tripods, mechanical entities eventually revealed to be the means by which an alien race (known as the Masters) takes control of humanity. "When the Tripods Came" tells the story of how the Tripods first come to Earth and establish control, and in doing so explores themes relating to coming of age, loyalty, and the importance and value of free thought.

Preface - The author describes the circumstances of a failed television adaptation of his books about the Tripods, highlighting critics' comments on the lack of up-to-date science the books contained and the relative lack of technological sophistication exhibited by the Tripods themselves. He cites a specific criticism from "the leading British science fiction author of the time", who "scornfully" pointed out that the Tripods...