Lucian of Samosata; Francis Hickes [trans.]; Charles Whibley [intro.] — Lucian&Apos;S True History

London, Privately Printed, 1894 . First edition. Cloth. Illustrated throughout and including two plates by Aubrey Beardsley, this is a limited edition first edition of Francis Hickes's translation of Lucien's satirical early science fiction tale. The first edition of Francis Hickes's English language translation of this short novel written in the second century by the Syrian author Lucian of Samosata.Number 13 of 251 copies produced.This is the earliest known work of fiction to include travel to outer space, alien lifeforms, and interplanetary warfare. It has been described as "the first known text that could be called science fiction".Illustrated with sixteen plates, being seven each by Strang and Clark, alongside two from celebrated artist Aubrey Beardsley. Collated, complete. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Back strip and board perimeters age toned, with light rubbing to back strip head and tail. Pages age toned to perimeters. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and generally clean, with only the odd spot. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: William Sprang; J.B. Clark; Aubrey Beardsley. Very Good Indeed .