The Man in the Moone

"The Man in the Moone," published in 1638, is regarded as one of the earliest works of science fiction, authored by an Anglican bishop with a keen interest in astronomy. The story follows Gonsales, who invents a flying machine harnessed to geese, leading him to the moon, which he discovers is inhabited by an advanced race called the Lunars. After returning to Earth and establishing connections in China, the narrative hints at Gonsales's plans to journey back to Spain with the support of Jesuit priests.