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A Crystal Age is a utopian novel written by W. H. Hudson, first published in 1887. The book has been called a significant S-F milestone and has been noted for its anticipation of the modern ecological mysticism that would evolve a century later....

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Science fiction

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The Well at the World's End is thought to be one of the first examples of an entirely fictional fantasy world, and has greatly influenced later fantasy writers such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. The book follows the travels of Ralph, a prince of a tiny country, as he disobeys his fathers wishes and runs away from home to adventure in the world, and seek out the fabled Well at World's End, said to grant eternal youth to those who drink from it. (Summary by BumbleVee)...

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Fantasy, Adventure

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A self-serving Spaniard discovers a means of traveling to the moon, describing his sensations in transit in terms remarkably consistent with modern astronauts' experiences. He finds on the moon a utopia, which he describes in detail, but being a fallen creature, he takes the first opportunity of coming home. ( Summary by Thomas A. Copeland )...

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Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, Science fiction

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Joe Kenmore heard the airlock close with a sickening wheeze and then a clank. In desperation he turned toward Haney. My God, we've been locked out! Through the transparent domes of their space helmets, Joe could see a look of horror and disbelief pass across Haney's face. But it was true! Joe and his crew were locked out of the Space Platform. Four thousand miles below circled the Earth. Under Joe's feet rested the solid steel hull of his home in outer space. But without tools there was no hope of getting back inside. Joe looked at his oxygen meter. It registered thirty minutes to live. (Summary from Gutenberg text)...

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Science fiction, Adventure

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The Last Man is an early post-apocalyptic science fiction novel by Mary Shelley, which was first published in 1826. The book tells of a future world that has been ravaged by a plague. The plague gradually kills off all people. Lionel Verney, central character, son of a nobleman who gambled himself into poverty, finds himself immune after being attacked by an infected negro, and copes with a civilization that is gradually dying out around him. (Summary from wikipedia)...

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Science fiction, Fiction, Teen/Young adult

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A great civilization's fate lay in Dick Barrow's hands as he led his courageous fellow engineers into a strange and unknown land. None of them knew what lay ahead--what dangers awaited them--or what rewards. But they did not hesitate because the first question asked them had been: Are you a brave man? (Summary from jacket blurb/intro)...

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Science fiction

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The narrator dies in the first sentence. Through relating his travels in the afterlife, Henry Fielding, author of Tom Jones and Joseph Andrews, gently satirizes life here on earth. (Summary by Denny Sayers)...

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Fantasy, Fiction, Satire

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Science, Nature, Instruction

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A lone space traveler arrives on Earth seeking a new planet to colonize, his own world dead. At the same time a mysterious plague has infected Earth that will wipe out all life. Can a lone scientist stop the plague and save the world? Or will the alien find himself on another doomed planet? (Summary by Mark Nelson)...

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Science fiction, Fiction

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After dying in a terrible accident at a building site, Dave Hanson finds himself being brought back to life in a world where magic is real, and where the sky is breaking apart and falling. And he is expected to put it back together again. Will he be able to save this strange world, and his own new life? (Summary by Karen Savage)...

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Science fiction

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This is a collection of short science fiction stories by various writers, circa 1930. Writers include Paul Ernst, Miles Breuer, Ray Cummings, Sewell Wright, and others. (Summary by BellonaTimes)...

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Science fiction

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Terrifically popular science fiction novel by renowned writer HG Wells, about a scientist discovering how to achieve invisibility. But, in his case, being out of sight evidently does NOT mean out of mind. (Summary by Cathy Barratt)...

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Adventure, Science fiction

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An early, light-hearted short story, published in 1872 by Jules Verne. It takes place in the Flemish town of Quiquendone, where life moves at an extraordinarily tranquil pace. Doctor Ox has offered to light the town with a new gas, but actually has other plans in place. (Summary by Alan Winterrowd)...

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Adventure, Fantasy, Humor

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Being the Record of a Voyage of Exploration of the Ship Fram, 1893-96 and of a Fifteen Months' Sleigh Journey by Dr. Nansen and Lieut. Johansen / by Fridtjof Nansen ; with an Appendix by Otto Sverdrup (Summary by Fridtjof Nansen)...

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Memoirs, Science, Adventure

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Five short stories by classic science fiction writer H. Beam Piper.

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Science fiction, Short stories

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The Chessmen of Mars is a science fiction novel by the mental sword and physical pen wielding author Edgar Rice Burroughs. It the fifth installment of his Barsoom series. The Chessmen of Mars is a tale of wonder and excellence that follows John Carter and Dejah Thoris, along with their daughter Tara, princess of Helium, as she is sought after by Gahan, Jed of Gathol. Adventure and perile ensue as the story unfolds. Note: The Prelude and Chapter 1 are read by two different readers. Variety is the spice of life. (Summary by tubeyes)...

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Science fiction

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The Masters had ruled all space with an unconquerable iron fist. But the Masters were gone. And this new, young race who came now to take their place--could they hope to defeat the ancient Enemy of All? (Summary by Gutenberg)...

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Science fiction

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The Time Machine is a novel by H. G. Wells, first published in 1895, later made into two films of the same title. This novel is generally credited with the popularization of the concept of time travel using a vehicle that allows an operator to travel purposefully and selectively. (Summary from wikipedia.org)...

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Science fiction

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The Sleeper Awakes is a dystopian novel about a man who sleeps for two hundred years, waking up in a completely transformed London, where, because of compound interest, he has become the richest man in the world. He has been the famous Sleeper for centuries. A fanatic socialist, the main character awakes to see his nightmares realized, and the future revealed to him in all its horrors and malformities. The people adore him, and their masters - the supervisors of his legacy who rule in his name - do not want him breathing. (Summary by Stephan and Wikipedia)...

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Science fiction, Adventure, Teen/Young adult

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A sparkling 18th century satire by Voltaire

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Fantasy