Subject
Interplanetary voyages -- Fiction Books
Best books
Jules Verne
Off on a Comet! a Journey through Planetary Space
"Off on a Comet! a Journey through Planetary Space" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel published in 1877. When a comet strikes Earth near Gibraltar, 36 people from various nations are carried away into space on fragments of the planet. As they journey through the solar system, the survivors must adapt to bizarre physical conditions—altered gravity, shortened days, and mysterious atmospheric changes—while old earthly rivalries persist. With two years to find a way home before the comet's return, their survival depends on understanding their strange new world.
Voltaire
Micromegas
"Micromegas" by Voltaire is a novella published in 1752. This early work of science fiction follows a giant being from a planet orbiting Sirius and his Saturnian companion as they journey through space and eventually arrive on Earth. Using the outsider's perspective, Voltaire crafts a philosophical tale that explores questions of scale, intelligence, and human significance. When the travelers discover tiny humans aboard a ship, they struggle to communicate with these microscopic creatures, leading to surprising revelations about knowledge and existence.
E. E. (Edward Elmer) Smith
Galactic Patrol
"Galactic Patrol" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel serialized in 1937. Fresh graduate Kimball Kinnison commands an experimental warship on a desperate mission to capture enemy technology from the mysterious Boskonians, whose superior ships threaten galactic civilization. His quest leads him to free enslaved races, undergo transformative training on Arisia, and infiltrate pirate bases in an escalating war where neither side can gain the upper hand. The fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.
E. E. (Edward Elmer) Smith
The Galaxy Primes
"The Galaxy Primes" by E. E. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story revolves around four brilliant individuals—a pair of men and a pair of women—who find themselves aboard an experimental spaceship, the "Pleiades", lost billions of parsecs from Earth. Their scientific expertise and interpersonal dynamics unfold as they navigate the cosmos, tackling not only the mysteries of space but the complexities of their relationships and survival. The opening of the book introduces two male characters, Garlock and James, alongside two women, Belle and Lola, aboard their ship as they prepare for a significant journey. Tensions quickly arise among the crew, illustrated by Belle's confrontational attitude towards Garlock, who struggles to maintain order and focus amid the friction. As they execute a bold attempt to take off for an uncertain destination, discussions about their scientific missions and personal agendas highlight their distinctive personalities and roles, setting the stage for both the narrative's adventurous and character-driven paths. The stage is set for a multi-layered exploration of relationships, scientific discovery, and the challenges of interstellar travel.
Ralph Milne Farley
The Radio Beasts
"The Radio Beasts" by Ralph Milne Farley is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows the story of Myles Standish Cabot, a radio genius who once journeyed to the planet Venus and faced challenges that threaten the peace of his adopted world. As he delves into new adventures after returning to Earth, the narrative promises an exploration of themes involving loyalty, resilience, and the conflict between different races and cultures. The opening of the story introduces the protagonist, who reflects on a bizarre news item about a maniac interrupting a radio session at General Electric, which leads him to reminisce about Myles Cabot, an old friend who had previously disappeared. Upon encountering Cabot in a surprising reunion, the protagonist learns that Cabot's earlier adventures on Venus were indeed true and not a fabrication. The narrative sets the stage for future conflicts as Cabot reveals troubling developments and the resurgence of threats to the peace he fought to secure, with the fate of numerous characters hanging in the balance. This portion invites curiosity about the dynamics of Cabot's relationships, the nature of his past adventures, and the unfolding political tension on Venus.
Georges Le Faure
Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; I. La lune
"Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; I. La lune" by Le Faure and Graffigny is a scientific fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The book blends adventure with astronomical themes, following a Russian scientist as he navigates through celestial topics and discoveries. It explores the idea of space travel and challenges conventional beliefs about the moon and other celestial bodies. The opening of the narrative introduces us to Saint-Petersburg on a snowy evening, where a young girl named Séléna is anxiously waiting for a visit from her suitor, Gontran de Flammermont. Her father, Mickhaïl Ossipoff, is portrayed as a passionate scientist engrossed in his experiments, which lead to an explosion that shakes their home. This sets the stage for Séléna's declaration of love and her father's subsequent obsession with a groundbreaking discovery related to ballistics. The delightful tension between domestic life and scientific ambition presents a poignant backdrop for the impending adventures and discussions that are to unfold. The narrative draws readers into a world where scientific exploration intertwines with personal relationships, hinting at larger themes of discovery and the mysteries of the universe.
Georges Le Faure
Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; II. Le Soleil et les petites planètes
"Aventures extraordinaires d'un savant russe; II. Le Soleil et les petites planètes" by Georges Le Faure and Henry de Graffigny is a fictional adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Alcide Fricoulet and his companions, including the young count Gontran de Flammermont, as they navigate extraordinary challenges in their quest involving celestial exploration and the search for the count's fiancée, Séléna, who has been abducted. The novel combines elements of science fiction with humorous undertones, offering readers a blend of adventure and scientific endeavor. The opening of the book introduces the dire situation faced by the protagonists, who are grappling with the emotional fallout of Séléna's disappearance. Fricoulet remains calm while Gontran is engulfed in despair, reflecting the strain of their predicament. The narrative takes place in a lunar setting, showcasing their struggle against the harsh environment and the chilling cold. As they wrestle with their grim circumstances, Fricoulet proposes the need to adapt and find their abducted companion, highlighting their determination to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. The subsequent banter among the characters underscores their camaraderie and resilience, setting the stage for an intriguing tale of adventure and exploration on a cosmic scale.
Julian Hawthorne
The Cosmic Courtship
"The Cosmic Courtship" by Julian Hawthorne is a science fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative begins on the birthday of Miriam Mayne, a young woman of remarkable abilities living in a future, technologically advanced society where personal flight is possible. As she prepares to celebrate her birthday with her billionaire father, her life takes an unexpected turn when she is visited by a mysterious spectral figure who has profound implications for her ambitions of interplanetary communication. The opening of the book introduces Miriam and her extraordinary world where advanced technologies allow for personal flight and subterranean living. As Miriam embraces her independence, the narrative hints at her deep curiosity about the cosmos and hints at a quest for deeper understanding that will unfold. During a moment of introspection near the sea, she encounters a spectral woman who proposes collaboration, foreshadowing a grand adventure that intertwines personal growth, romance, and the wonders of space. This initial chapter sets the tone for a story filled with themes of ambition, connection, and the quest for knowledge beyond earthly bounds.
Frances Trego Montgomery
On a lark to the planets A sequel to "The wonderful electric elephant"
"On a Lark to the Planets" by Frances Trego Montgomery is a whimsical children's novel written in the early 20th century. It is a sequel to "The Wonderful Electric Elephant" and follows the enchanting adventures of young protagonists Harold and Ione, along with their princely companion, as they journey through outer space. With an emphasis on imaginative exploration, the book showcases various planets and introduces unique characters, inviting readers to join in an extraordinary voyage. The opening of the story sets the stage for a thrilling adventure as Harold, Ione, and the Prince are aboard the "Wonderful Elephant," soaring through the stellar night sky, marveling at the celestial beauty. They experience a sudden stop during their flight, prompting a mix of curiosity and apprehension about their journey. After discovering how to inflate their balloon for a swift ascent, they glimpse the wonders of the universe, including planets with vivid colors and exciting sights, which lead them to decide on exploring the island of Mercury first. With the promise of encountering magical beings and encounters with fantastical landscapes, the lively narrative captivates the reader's imagination right from the start.
Daniel Defoe
The Consolidator; or, Memoirs of Sundry Transactions from the World in the Moon
"The Consolidator; or, Memoirs of Sundry Transactions from the World in the Moon" by an unnamed author is a satirical work blending elements of science fiction and political commentary, likely composed during the late 17th century. The text presents an imaginative journey to the Moon, exploring advanced knowledge and customs that challenge the understanding of contemporary European society. Through the lens of a traveler who converses with Moon inhabitants, the narrative delves into themes of wisdom, folly, and the nature of human endeavors, particularly in governance and invention. At the start of the book, the narrator reflects on the remarkable advancements in Muscovy under its ruler, inspired by travels through Europe. The author proposes that this Czar's improvements and trade connections with China reveal a wealth of knowledge and culture that contrasts sharply with the perceived ignorance of European nations. The narrator hints at a vast collection of Chinese literature, rich in technical and philosophical insights, which they intend to investigate. The exposition not only sets the scene for a journey to the Moon but also draws parallels between societies, critiquing the limitations of European thought while presenting an earnest desire to uncover truths about knowledge, politics, and the human condition.
Friedrich Wilhelm Mader
Wunderwelten Wie Lord Flitmore eine seltsame Reise zu den Planeten unternimmt und durch einen Kometen in die Fixsternwelt entführt wird
"Wunderwelten" by Friedrich Wilhelm Mader is a science fiction novel from the early 20th century. Six adventurers embark on an extraordinary space voyage aboard the spherical ship Sannah, powered by a revolutionary anti-gravity drive. Their journey takes them from the Moon's far side to Mars's dying civilization, through Saturn's rings, and beyond—swept by a comet past Neptune into interstellar space. They discover Alpha Centauri's paradise planet Eden, where an advanced society lives in harmony with nature, before returning home to plan new expeditions.
Fritz Leiber
Destiny times three
"Destiny Times Three" by Fritz Leiber is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story explores complex themes of identity and duality, primarily through the experiences of its main characters, Thorn and Clawly, as they navigate an intricately woven narrative filled with nightmarish dreamscapes and existential crises. The plot delves into the unsettling implications of alien minds potentially invading human consciousness, leading to profound questions about individuality and reality. The opening of the story introduces Thorn at an art event celebrating a symchromy titled "the Yggdrasil," where the themes of cosmic dread guide the narrative. He is struck by the connection between the ancient myth and their impending hypothesis presentation to a committee, hinting at deeper, sinister truths lurking beneath the surface of their utopian society. In a moment of unexplainable compulsion, Thorn commits an irrational theft of a mysterious object, setting the stage for a narrative rich with tension and intrigue. As the plot unfolds, readers are introduced to Thorn's complex friendship with Clawly and their shared burdens against an impending, possibly otherworldly threat, making the beginning a compelling invitation into the haunting and layered reality of their world.
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