Subject
Voyages, Imaginary Books
Best books
Willis George Emerson
The Smoky God; Or, A Voyage to the Inner World
"The Smoky God; Or, A Voyage to the Inner World" by Willis George Emerson is a fantastical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of Olaf Jansen, a Norwegian fisherman who recounts his extraordinary journey to a concealed realm beneath the Earth's surface, rich with marvelous landscapes and inhabited by a giant civilization. This microcosmic world is illuminated by a central entity known as "The Smoky God," believed by its inhabitants to be the throne of a divine power. The opening of the book sets the stage for Jansen's incredible tale, as he is introduced through the perspective of another character, the author, who reflects on his encounter with Jansen. The author describes how Jansen, on the brink of death at ninety-five years of age, entrusts him with his remarkable story—a revelation of uncharted lands and experiences that challenge conventional beliefs about Earth’s geography. As Jansen begins to share the details of his voyage beyond known territories, the narrative hints at elements of adventure, mysticism, and the allure of exploration, inviting readers into a world where the extraordinary is possible.
Mark Twain
Extract from Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven
"Extract from Captain Stormfield's Visit to Heaven" by Mark Twain is a short story first published in 1907. Captain Elias Stormfield embarks on a cosmic journey to Heaven, where he discovers an afterlife vastly different from conventional expectations. Through conversations with veteran resident Sandy McWilliams, Stormfield learns startling truths about celestial existence—from the real purpose of angel wings to the unexpected identities of Heaven's greatest celebrities. Twain satirizes traditional religious conceptions with characteristic humor and hyperbole, revealing an eternity far stranger than Earth's familiar assumptions.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
The Sea Fairies
"The Sea Fairies" by L. Frank Baum is a children's fantasy novel published in 1911. Young Trot and her loyal companion Cap'n Bill are transformed into mermaids and venture into an enchanting underwater world. There they encounter benevolent sea fairies, witness amazing sights in Queen Aquarine's kingdom, and face the villainous Zog the Magician and his sea devils. Originally intended to launch a new series, the story would eventually bring its heroes into Baum's beloved Oz universe.
Adam Seaborn
Symzonia: Voyage of Discovery
"Symzonia: Voyage of Discovery" by Captain Adam Seaborn is a work of fictional travel literature published in 1820. Captain Seaborn leads an expedition to prove the Earth is hollow, sailing to the South Pole and discovering an entrance to the planet's interior. There, his crew encounters the Symzonians—an extraordinarily virtuous, nearly translucent civilization with no weapons or disease. When the Symzonians learn of the violence and sickness plaguing the outer world, they make a fateful decision about their visitors' fate.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
Sky Island Being the Further Exciting Adventures of Trot and Cap'n Bill After Their Visit to the Sea Fairies
"Sky Island" by L. Frank Baum is a children's fantasy novel published in 1912. When Trot and Cap'n Bill use a magic umbrella to journey with Button-Bright, they land on a floating island divided between two opposing realms: the cruel blue side ruled by the tyrannical Boolooroo, and the friendlier pink side governed by modest laws. Trapped between these worlds, the travelers must navigate bizarre customs, escape imprisonment, and recover their stolen umbrella to return home.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
Sky Island Being the further exciting adventures of Trot and Cap'n Bill after their visit to the sea fairies
"Sky Island" by L. Frank Baum is a children's fantasy novel published in 1912. When Trot and Cap'n Bill join Button-Bright on a magical umbrella journey, they land on a floating island divided between two countries: the tyrannical blue side ruled by the cruel Boolooroo, and the cheerful pink side governed by modest laws. Trapped without their umbrella and facing threats from both sides, the travelers must navigate strange customs, escape imprisonment, and mount a daring rescue to return home.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
The Sea Fairies
"The Sea Fairies" by L. Frank Baum is a children's fantasy novel published in 1911. Young Trot and her loyal companion Cap'n Bill are transformed into mermaids and journey into an underwater world of benevolent sea fairies. There they encounter Queen Aquarine's magical realm and face the villainous Zog the Magician, who enslaves sailors with his sea devils. Intended as the first in a new series, the book introduced characters who would later find their way into Baum's beloved Oz stories.
of Samosata Lucian
Trips to the Moon
"Trips to the Moon" by Lucian is a satirical work likely written in the 2nd century AD. This piece primarily comprises comedic narratives that playfully critique the absurdities of human belief and contemporary historiography, employing imaginative elements and fantastic voyages to convey its messages. The narrative follows the exploration of other worlds and bizarre encounters, engaging readers with humor while examining deeper philosophical themes. The opening of the work introduces Lucian's "True History," which is described as a fantastical tale filled with "ingenious lies" meant for amusement. The protagonist sets sail on an adventurous journey to explore the unknown, encountering various peculiarities along the way, such as a wine-like river and human-like vines. These elements set the stage for a series of whimsical encounters, including a pitched battle between fantastical creatures from the Sun and Moon, illustrating Lucian's intent to satirize both historical writing and the genre of epic tales. The reader is introduced to the playful absurdity of both the journey itself and the characters encountered, hinting at the larger critique of human folly to come.
Emilio Salgari
I Robinson italiani
"I Robinson italiani" by Emilio Salgari is a novel written in 1896. Part of Salgari's "Romanzi in Oceania" series, the work draws clear inspiration from Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. The story follows three Italian characters—Signor Emilio Albani, Enrico, and Piccolo Tonno—who are shipwrecked together on a deserted island. In an unusual choice for Salgari, the protagonists are Italian rather than his typical exotic adventurers, bringing the classic castaway tale closer to home.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
John Dough and the Cherub
"John Dough and the Cherub" by L. Frank Baum is a children's fantasy novel published in 1906. When a French baker accidentally uses magical elixir in his gingerbread dough, he creates John Dough—a living, intelligent gingerbread man. Fleeing those who would devour him to gain the elixir's power, John journeys to the fantastical Isle of Phreex, where he befriends the mysterious Chick the Cherub. Together they encounter strange inhabitants and embark on adventures across peculiar islands, facing constant danger and bizarre predicaments.
Wladyslaw Uminski
Per luchtballon naar de Zuidpool
"Per luchtballon naar de Zuidpool" by Wladyslaw Uminski is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Captain Ford and his companions as they embark on a daring journey to explore the South Pole using a newly invented lightweight and powerful balloon designed by the Polish engineer Gromski. With elements of adventure and exploration, the book explores human ambition and the quest to conquer the unknown. The opening of the novel introduces Captain Ford, who is fascinated by an article about Gromski's innovative balloon that can traverse great distances and withstand harsh conditions. After a lively discussion with his subordinate, James, Ford makes plans to acquire the balloon, which sparks excitement about the possibilities of an expedition to the pole. As the plot progresses, we also get to know Gromski, who is initially hesitant but ultimately enthusiastic about joining Ford and James on their ambitious quest. The narrative sets the stage for their daring trip, marked by intrigue and the promise of discovery, while establishing themes of bravery and innovation.
Anonymous
Geschiedenis van een Neger Zyn Reize met de Heer N.... van Surinamen naar Holland.... enz.
"Geschiedenis van een Neger" by Anonymous is a historical account written in the late 17th century. The work follows the journey of a young enslaved boy from Suriname who, despite his grim beginnings, displays remarkable qualities of intellect and virtue. The narrative details his transformation and experiences, particularly focusing on his interactions with his master, who eventually recognizes the boy's worth and grants him an opportunity for freedom and education. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the young enslaved boy, whose life takes a tumultuous turn when he is bought by a compassionate master, referred to as Heer N.... As the boy grows, he distinguishes himself among the other slaves through his intelligence and character, leading to a close bond with his master who treats him more like a friend than a servant. The story's opening sets the stage for a dramatic sea journey, during which the family must contend with a violent storm, ultimately leading them to an unexplored island where they meet new inhabitants. This beginning hints at themes of resilience, identity, and moral exploration that unfold throughout the narrative.
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