Read by Mark F. Smith
The First Men in the Moon is a 1901 scientific romance novel by the British
author H. G. Wells. The novel tells the story of a journey to the moon
undertaken by the two main protagonists, the impoverished businessman Mr Bedford
and the brilliant but eccentric scientist Dr Cavor. On arrival, Bedford and Cavor
find the moon inhabited by an extra terrestrial civilization the two name as
"Selenites." The novel can also be read as a critique of prevailing political
opinions of the period, particularly of imperialism. The theme of a clash between
civilizations is reminiscent of Wells' earlier and more famous work, The War of
the Worlds. As in The War of the Worlds, it is hinted that the non-human
civilization presented might reflect the way human society would develop in the
far future. As such, the Selenite society depicted could be considered either
a utopia or a dystopia, depending on which of its features one emphasizes.
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