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Unlike fantasy, which had a well-defined starting point in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the science fiction genre evolved gradually throughout the latter part of the 19th century with pioneers like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. To establish a distinct cutoff, we define 1864 as the year marking the end of this early phase, coinciding with the publication of Verne's 'A Journey to the Center of the Earth.' Below are some remarkable early science fiction novels that were overshadowed by the genre's more famous founders.
10. Urashima Taro Published: Around the 8th Century
As is the case with several of these early works, the distinction between fantasy and science fiction is unclear. Urashima Taro, written in the 8th century, features a fisherman who saves a turtle, only to learn that she is a princess. He is invited to her underwater palace. After spending several days there, he chooses to return to his village, only to find that time has passed drastically, and he is now in a future world. This ancient tale blends folklore and mythology, serving as one of the earliest known depictions of time travel in literature.
9. Somnium Johannes Kepler, Published Between 1620 and 1630
A strange little tale that mixes a lunar eclipse with demons inhabiting the moon. So, how does this qualify as science fiction? Originally conceived as a work of nonfiction, it was intended to support the idea of Earth’s rotation and our relationship with the moon. The inclusion of demons is a curious addition. Nevertheless, the work holds considerable importance, especially considering its author, Johannes Kepler, who played a pivotal role in the scientific revolution, formulating the laws of planetary motion, among many other contributions.
8. Niels Klim’s Underground Travels Ludvig Holberg, Published in 1741
This odd story follows a Norwegian man who falls into space. After drifting for a while, he encounters a gryphon and crashes onto a nearby planet, Nazar. He climbs a tree to find safety, only to discover that the tree is actually a woman, leading to a trial for rape. This sets the tone for the novel, which continues with the protagonist documenting the lives of the tree-like Potuans before he's eventually expelled and ventures to the inner rim of the planet. The story serves as social commentary, with early examples of hollow earth fiction, and it's an entertaining read. Read it online here.
7. The Last Man Mary Shelley, Published in 1826
Mary Shelley is a major figure in the science fiction genre, best known for her iconic work Frankenstein. In this lesser-known story, she presents an apocalyptic future ravaged by plague, though the novel's themes are more symbolic than literal. The book is also significant for its semi-autobiographical portrayal of Lord Byron (the famous Romantic poet and the father of her niece) and her husband, Percy Shelley. For literature enthusiasts, this novel holds great importance and stands as an early example of the apocalyptic genre in science fiction (distinct from themes of divine wrath). Read it online here.
6. Taketori Monogatari Published: Around the 10th Century
The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, a famous story from Japanese folklore, holds great significance in Japan’s literary tradition. Not only is it an early example of traditional narrative, but it also serves as one of the first proto-science fiction works. The plot revolves around a bamboo cutter who stumbles upon a glowing bamboo stalk, inside of which is a tiny baby. He and his wife raise her, and as she matures, it is revealed that she is from the moon. She must return to her celestial home, leaving behind her earthly parents and the Emperor, who adored her. Before departing, she gives the Emperor the elixir of life, but he burns it with her farewell note at the peak of Japan’s tallest mountain. It is said that Mt. Fuji’s name originates from the word for immortality, 'fushi' or 'fuji,' due to this event, symbolizing the burning of the letter and the elixir. Mt. Fuji itself is a dormant volcano, standing as a monument to the legend.
Micromégas Written by Voltaire, published in 1752
Voltaire, the famed French philosopher and satirist, also dabbled in science fiction with his work Micromégas. Like many of his writings, this story serves as a critique of Western culture and societal norms, told from the perspective of an alien from the star Sirius and his friend from Jupiter. The themes introduced here would echo throughout the genre of science fiction for centuries. As with all of Voltaire’s works, it offers a blend of humor and despair (depending on how one interprets it), presenting an insightful commentary on how little has changed in society. Read it online here.
4. The Man in the Moone Written by Francis Godwin, this fascinating work was published in 1638.
This novel, also referred to as “The English Fortune Teller,” explores a journey to the moon, a concept that may have been influenced by Kepler's writings (with both authors being contemporaries). While this idea is still debated among astronomers, some consider it to be one of the earliest science fiction stories in the English language. The plot follows Domingo Gonsales, who travels to the moon in a chariot pulled by trained geese—a premise that, at this stage, seems almost believable. The narrative includes encounters with aliens, a staple in space stories. Beyond its entertaining qualities, this work is significant for its mention of weightlessness in space and may have had an impact on the famous pre-Verne sci-fi classic, Gulliver’s Travels. Read it online here.
3. The Description of a New World Margaret Cavendish, Published in 1666
Full title: The Description of a New World, Called The Blazing-World. Often regarded by scholars as the first true example of science fiction, Blazing World is particularly notable because it was penned by a woman in an era when such works were uncommon. The narrative follows a woman who discovers this blazing world and ascends to the role of empress. The story is a satirical take on utopian ideals, featuring submarines, anthropomorphic beings, and talking animals. While the piece is relatively short by today’s standards, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the genre’s early development. It was also referenced in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, a graphic novel by Alan Moore. Read it online here.
2. True History Written by Lucian of Samosata, Publication Date: around the 2nd century
Another early work often cited as a precursor to science fiction, True History is a satirical narrative that takes epic storytelling and shifts it from the seas to the stars. The tale includes aliens, interplanetary conflict, space exploration, the colonization of planets, and even hints at the concept of robots. This piece contains all the familiar elements of a B-movie sci-fi adventure, yet it was written over a thousand years before the telescope was invented. Just consider that for a moment. Read it online here.
1. Theologus Autodidactus Ibn al-Nafis, Publication Date: between 1267 and 1277
This work is not only an early example of science fiction but also one of the first to explore desert island stories, coming-of-age tales, and theological themes (those which delve into life’s profound questions). Moreover, it holds the distinction of being one of the earliest books published in Arabic. The author, known for groundbreaking contributions to various medical fields, also found time to study history, languages, geography, Islam, and write multiple books—truly remarkable. The novel starts off like many others in the genres mentioned, featuring a young man stranded on a desert island, contemplating life and making transformative decisions. Then, the world ends. It also includes numerous references to the author’s important advances in biology and medicine. The book's impact is deep, though it may be a complex read for those without the necessary background knowledge.
+ The Coming Race Written by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Published in 1871
Had it not been for the cutoff date for this article, this novel would have unquestionably taken the top spot. Nonetheless, it deserves recognition as one of the most influential and underrated works of science fiction in history. The term ‘vril’ introduced in the novel, though short-lived in the English language, became infamous. Additionally, the book’s themes surrounding a superior race have led to connections with various conspiracy theories, particularly those involving the Nazis. It’s a classic, though largely overlooked even within the science fiction community. Furthermore, Bulwer-Lytton is credited with coining the iconic phrases “It was a dark and stormy night,” and “the pen is mightier than the sword,” proving that this novel is, at the very least, full of memorable quotes. Read it online here.
