Subject
Science fiction, French Books
Best books
Cyrano de Bergerac
L'autre monde; ou, Histoire comique des Etats et Empires de la Lune
"L'autre monde; ou, Histoire comique des Etats et Empires de la Lune" by Cyrano de Bergerac is a fantastical tale written around 1650. The narrator journeys to the Moon using ingenious contraptions, only to find himself deemed an animal by its inhabitants. In this inverted world, people walk on four legs, dine on smoke, and trade in poetry. Through encounters with lunar philosophers and otherworldly beings, the work satirizes religion, science, and society while exploring radical ideas about the universe, existence, and humanity itself.
J.-H. Rosny
La Mort de la Terre, roman, suivi de contes
"La Mort de la Terre, roman, suivi de contes" by J.-H. Rosny aîné is a science fiction novel published in 1910. In a distant future, Earth has become a vast desert, drained by human exploitation. The last surviving communities limit births and practice euthanasia as water disappears. Targ, among the final humans willing to fight for survival, searches desperately for water and new lands. Meanwhile, a mysterious new species—the Ferromagnétaux, beings part-living and part-mineral—thrives on humanity's ruins, signaling a dramatic shift in Earth's dominant reign.
Maurice Renard
Le voyage immobile, suivi d'autres histoires singulières
"Le Voyage Immobile, suivi d'autres Histoires singulières" by Maurice Renard is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The work embarks on a thematic exploration of what Renard refers to as “logical wonder,” blending elements of fantasy and rationality. It invites readers to experience the uncanny intersections of science and the extraordinary, as seen through the varied narratives within the collection. At the start of "Le Voyage Immobile," we meet an unnamed man who awakens aboard a yacht called "Océanide". He has no memory of his circumstances, having survived a maritime disaster, which raises questions about his identity and past experiences. His rescuers, Gaétan and Gérald, attempt to unravel the mystery of how he came to be in such a predicament. The narrative discusses a recent explosion that led to his unconscious state and hints at a fantastical journey ahead, as they share accounts of a meteor that had previously crossed their path. Thus, the opening sets a tone of suspense and curiosity while establishing the backdrop for Renard's exploration of the fantastical and the logical elements within the storytelling.
A. de Ville D'Avray
Voyage dans la lune avant 1900
"Voyage dans la lune avant 1900" by A. de Ville D'Avray is a whimsical and entertaining narrative crafted during the late 19th century. This book can be categorized as a fantastical journey, reflecting a humorous exploration of lunar adventures through the eyes of its main character, Monsieur Baboulifiche. The story captures the imagination with its blend of science fiction and comedy, typical of the era’s fascination with space exploration. The plot follows Monsieur Baboulifiche, who, after an intriguing proposition to travel to the moon, embarks on an adventure with his reluctant servant, Papavoine. Together, they navigate the challenges of a fantastical lunar landscape, encountering peculiar creatures, perilous situations, and comedic mishaps. As they explore, their experiences range from escapades involving extraterrestrial beings and unexpected perils to amusing misunderstandings of their environment. The story culminates with a whimsical twist as Baboulifiche wakes from what he realizes was merely a vivid dream, leaving readers amused and entertained by the absurdity of their cosmic journey.
Jules Verne
Sans dessus dessous
"Sans dessus dessous" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel published in 1889. Members of the Gun-Club from Baltimore, who previously attempted to send a projectile to the Moon, now plan to straighten Earth's axis of rotation using a massive cannon shot. Their goal is to access coal deposits in the Arctic regions. However, the project threatens catastrophic consequences: sea levels could shift by thousands of meters, potentially drowning entire continents or elevating others to Himalayan heights. The scheme faces universal condemnation as populations weren't consulted about their fate.
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