A Columbus of Space

"A Columbus of Space" by Garrett Putman Serviss is a science fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the character Edmund Stonewall, an eccentric inventor who has discovered a means to unlock inter-atomic energy, enabling a remarkable journey through space. Along with his friends, he embarks on an extraordinary expedition to Venus, where they are poised to encounter unknown beings and explore thrilling new worlds. The opening of the novel introduces Edmund Stonewall as a brilliant but reclusive inventor who possesses groundbreaking knowledge that could revolutionize mankind’s mastery over nature. As his friends gather at his laboratory, he reveals his extraordinary creation: a vehicle powered by the harnessed energy of atoms. Amidst their skepticism, Stonewall demonstrates the operation of his invention, launching their unexpected adventure into the skies. The narrative quickly shifts from his triumphant revelation to the startling experience of flying through the atmosphere and eventually heading to Venus, setting the stage for the challenges and wonders that await them in this uncharted territory. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Garrett Putnam Serviss was an American astronomer, popularizer of astronomy, and early science fiction writer. Serviss was born in Sharon Springs, New York and majored in science at Cornell University. He took a law degree at Columbia University but never worked as an attorney. Instead, in 1876 he joined the staff of The New York Sun newspaper, working as a journalist until 1892 under editor Charles Dana.