The Kraken Wakes

John Wyndham (1903-1969) is considered a pioneer of science fiction and horror, though he preferred to think of himself as a “ logical fantasist. ” He began writing science fiction and detective stories in the 1920s, but shifted to science fiction post-WWII, focusing on themes of disaster, invasion, and first contact.   His best known works include The Day of the Triffids (1951) and The Midwich Cuckoos (1957).   A pacifist and socialist, Wyndham— unlike a lot of mid-century genre fiction authors— was alive to the impact of sexism, classism, and prejudice and his novels reflect his liberal politics.