Columbus of Space

Published in 1892, 'Columbus of Space' by Garrett P. Serviss is a pioneering science fiction novel inspired by the works of Jules Verne. The story follows an independent scientist who uncovers the secret of inter-atomic energy, enabling him to construct a spacecraft that takes him and three companions on an adventurous journey to Venus. There, they encounter the mysterious inhabitants of the planet's dark side and face various dangers, showcasing early imaginative concepts of space exploration.