Francis Godwin Livres

The Man in the Moone (1638) is a utopian science fiction story by Francis Godwin. Published posthumously, the book appeared under the pseudonym Domingo Gonsales, the name of its intrepid narrator. The Man in the Moone was inspired by recent discoveries in the field of astronomy by Nicolaus Copernicus, Johannes Kepler, William Gilbert, and Galileo Galielei. Godwin was particularly interested in the possibility of lunar habitation, and he wrongly believed that the dark spots on the surface of the Moon were seas. His work has many similarities to Lucian's True History, a second-century A. D. science fiction novel that appeared in an influential English translation in the 1630s. Banished from his native Spain after killing a rival in a duel, Domingo Gonsales makes his fortune in the East Indies, but soon dreams of returning home. Struck with illness on his voyage across the Atlantic, he stops at the island of St Helena to recuperate. There, he discovers a species of swan that he incorporates into a state-of-the-art flying machine. Gonsales soon gains the strength to continue his journey, making his way past Tenerife. When an English fleet destroy his vessel, the adventurer takes flight with the help of his geese, rising through space until the Earth has all but disappeared. Before he knows it, Gonsales is standing on the Moon amidst what looks to be a utopian civilization unmatched in human history.

Chronicling significant events in England and beyond, this historical account by Francis Godwin provides insights into the 17th century. It addresses themes such as wars, revolutions, scientific discoveries, technological advancements, natural disasters, and cultural milestones. Written in French, it stands out as one of the earliest significant works on English history in a foreign language. This facsimile reprint serves as a valuable resource for historians and researchers interested in the era's historical context.

Set in the 18th century, this adventurous tale follows Domingo Gonsales as he embarks on a remarkable journey to the Moon. Filled with fantastical elements and imaginative encounters, the story explores themes of exploration and the unknown. This reprint preserves the charm of the original 1768 edition, offering readers a glimpse into historical perspectives on space travel and adventure. The narrative combines whimsy with a pioneering spirit, inviting readers to join Gonsales on his extraordinary voyage.