A Voyage to the Moon With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians

A Voyage to the Moon is a book written by George Tucker, which tells the fantastical story of a traveler named Joseph Atterley and his journey to the moon. The book, published in 1827, is presented in a narrative style, where Atterley explains how he met a Brahmin who had been on three voyages to the moon and had written a manuscript with instructions on how to make the trip. The Brahmin shares with Atterley the physical principles and repulsion as well as gravitation in the earth, and how a metallic substance can be used to create cars and ascend into the air. The two make their way to the moon on the third day, using the process described in the manuscript, and observe various objects, including mountains, lakes, seas, continents, and islands. They also discuss the possible connection between the moon and the brain, and the repercussions of a large object separating from the earth. Upon arriving on the moon, they meet the inhabitants, the Lunarians, and learn about their culture, customs, and way of life. The Lunarians live about as long as people on earth and have a similar physiology, but they differ in their physical and mental characteristics. The book is a reflection of the intellectual and philosophical discussions of the time, touching on topics such as the nature of the universe, gravity, and the potential for life on the moon. The story follows Atterley and the Brahmin's adventures and the lessons they learn from the inhabitants of the moon. The two travelers visit the city of Alamatua, where they see the local marketplace, meet the governor, and get acquainted with the Lunarians' peculiar habits and customs. The people of the moon live in houses built of a soft shining stone and have porticoes, piazzas, and verandas, which are suited to the tropical climate of Morosofia. Atterley also witnesses the Hilliboos and Moriboos, two groups that live on the moon, and notes their physical and behavioral differences. The book offers a satirical look at various aspects of society, including politics, education, and culture, using the Lunarians as a mirror to reflect on human foibles and societal ills. Overall, A Voyage to the Moon is a product of its time, reflecting the intellectual and scientific debates of the early 19th century, and presents a thought-provoking and absorbing tale of adventure and discovery.