The First Men in the Moon

H. G. Wells

1911

Written back at the start of the last century, this book is a near perfect example of its era.

HG Wells is credited with the invention of science fiction, particularly with the introduction of a scientific development and the implications there of.

In this book, the inventor, typically a lone scientist working in his backroom, develops a metal that can screen out the effects of gravity so he builds a spaceship covered in shutters of the material. He is able to travel to other places by selectively opening and shutting these.

Along with his eager business partner, Professor Cavor stocks his wonderful ship for a journey to the moon (Note - No Women!).

The journey goes ahead with no troubles and the intrepid duo find themselves on the supposedly barren moon which they proceed to explore once the atmosphere had warmed up.

But its not deserted! There are natives! Strange looking to Earth eyes, but Professor Cavor is willing to over look their insectile looks and deal peacefully with them.

The Selenites had no wish to deal peacefully with the Earthmen though and imprisoned them.

The Terrans, utterly superior to the Selenites in terms of strength, broke out of confinement and made for their ship rather than be escorted into the unknown depths.

Ever regretting their inability to treat peacefully with the selenites, Professor Cavor decides that he will not return to Earth with Bedford, but allowed himself to be recaptured and led down into the depths. Bedford managed by luck, to make it back to Earth along with the gold crowbars and chains with which he had been encumbered.

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This is part of the Science Fiction Masterworks series

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