Eighty-seven years after Orson Welles' legendary 'War of the Worlds' broadcast caused nationwide panic, a new book examines how a single radio drama became one of America's most infamous media events. In 'Dead Air: The Night Orson Welles Terrified America,' National Bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove recreates the chaos and confusion that unfolded on October 30, 1938, when millions of listeners mistook the Mercury Theatre production for real news of a Martian invasion.
Hazelgrove describes the broadcast as the first viral event, occurring in an era before television or social media. "Welles created the first viral event," Hazelgrove says. "In an age before television or social media, a single broadcast paralyzed the country. Dead Air shows how fear, faith in media, and imagination collided in one unforgettable hour." The book explores how this collision of factors led to a collective loss of reality across the United States.
The publication has received significant critical acclaim, with Booklist calling it "a masterful account of mass hysteria and media power" and Publishers Weekly describing it as "a cinematic, heart-pounding read" that transforms a night of radio into compelling narrative history. These reviews underscore the book's success in making historical analysis accessible and engaging to general readers.
As the 87th anniversary renews interest in Welles' broadcast, 'Dead Air' serves as a timely reminder of media's profound influence on public perception. The book demonstrates how a compelling story, delivered at the right moment through the right medium, can generate nationwide impact. Hazelgrove, who also authored 'Evil on the Roof of the World' and 'Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson,' continues his approach of blending cultural history with narrative drama to uncover the truths behind defining historical moments.
The book's examination of the 1938 panic offers contemporary relevance in an era of digital misinformation and rapid information spread. By analyzing how radio listeners in 1938 accepted fictional reporting as factual news, 'Dead Air' provides historical context for understanding modern media consumption and credibility challenges. More information about the author and his works can be found at https://www.williamhazelgrove.com.
Hazelgrove's extensive background contributes to the book's authority, with the author having written numerous novels and nonfiction titles that have received starred reviews and awards. His experience as the Ernest Hemingway Writer in Residence and his contributions to publications including USA Today and The Smithsonian Magazine inform the research depth evident in 'Dead Air.' The book represents part of his ongoing exploration of American cultural history through accessible storytelling.
