TRIPS TO THE MOON. "A TRUE STORY" by LUCIAN OF SAMOSATA (C. 125-180). Written by Casalino Pierluigi, 27.10.2013

Widely hailed as the first science fiction story, A TRUE STORY, by Lucian of samosata, is a voyage to the edged of the universe and reason. As such a predecessor of Jules Verne and of H.G. Wells, Lucian's fantasy explores not only outer space, but also the Elysian fields, and the interior of a giant whale. Lucian is a precursor  of science fiction and his works by magnifying the exploits of their countrymen, and piling wonder upon wonder, Lucian first condemned in his INSTRUCTIONS FOR WRITING HISTORY, wherein is contained the account of a trip to the Moon, a piece which must have been enjoyed by Rabelais, which suggested to Cyrano de Begerac, to the conception of the Gullivers' "TRAVELS. The "ICARO-MENIPPUS DIALOUE" especially another trip to the Moon, though its satire is more especially directed against philosophers.In "A TRUE STORY", a fictional narrative work written in prose, Lucian anticipated, therefore, Jules Verne's voyage to the Moon and also parodied some fantastic tales told by Homer in the Odissey and feeble fantasies that were popular in his time.
Casalino Pierluigi, 27th October, 2013