True History (2nd century C.E.) is a satirical novel by Lucian.
Written in ancient Greek, True History is thought to be the first work
of science fiction in all of Western literature. Intended as a criticism
of the unbelievable scenarios populating ancient fiction, True History
dramatizes the extent to which authors will relate fantastic or
mythological material as truth to humorous and imaginative effect.
Before beginning his narrative, Lucian admits that though the claims he
will make are far from truth, he will make them, nonetheless.
Accordingly, he weaves a tale of a voyage by sea thrown off course near
the Pillars of Hercules by a powerful storm. Narrowly escaping disaster,
Lucian and his fellow travelers find themselves on an island interwoven
with rivers of wine, in which fish swim and bears feed and frolic. As if
this weren't enough, rumors of a divine presence and visions of trees
like women encourages the travelers to seek safety elsewhere. Not far
into the next leg of their journey, their ship is swept skyward by a
storm so powerful it lands them on the Moon. There, they are swiftly
swept up in a war between the armies of the Moon and Sun, vast alien
forces vying for control of the Morning Star. Helping to organize a
peace treaty, Lucian and his travelers take in the sights of the Moon
before returning to Earth just in time to be swallowed by a massive
whale. As the narrative unfolds, these poor lost voyagers encounter fish
people, discover an island of cheese afloat on a sea of milk, and even
meet the heroes of Troy themselves. True History is a wild and
wonderful work of satire and science fiction that not only amazes as
much as it delights, but serves as a reminder that the humor of the
ancients is not so different from our own.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of Lucian's True History is a classic of ancient Greek
literature reimagined for modern readers.
