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97 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 165
I did wonder, though, that they thought that they could write untruths and not get caught at it. Therefore, as I myself, thanks to my vanity, was eager to hand something down to posterity, that I might not be the only one excluded from the privileges of poetic licence, and as I had nothing true to tell, not having had any adventures of significance, I took to lying.
The other authors of the time embellish, and give only part of the truth. Lucian decides to enter history by lying.
Though it is purported to be a parody - it is a highly readable Science Fiction Fantasy
Lucian's character goes to the moon, fights giant spiders, and lands on a 150-mile long whale.
He finds Pumpkin Pirates -pirates that sail on giant pumpkins.
The Pumpkin Pirates fight Nut Sailors.
Lucian floats on seas of milk, which have islands made of cheese.
Before Dante, there was Lucian
Dante Alighieri's Inferno may have had the greater impact - it basically defined Western religion and morality for 7 centuries - but it was not the first Science Fiction Fantasy.
Lucian brought literature to the next level with this incredible work, one that is highly readable.
Is it readable because of the translation?
Maybe.
But whatever the case - I highly recommend this. Before most any author you know, there was Lucian, and this tale is more than just a novelty - it's a lot of fun.