PREFACE.

In the case of my former book—my first written foryoung readers—I inserted a preface stating at some lengthmy reasons for taking up the writing of stories of the kind.In it I pointed out that I had endeavoured to combineamusement with a little wholesome instruction; and thatwhat might at first sight appear to be mere irresponsibleflights of fanciful imagination had, in reality, in all casessome quasi-scientific foundation.

Doubtless such a preface is unusual in a work of fiction,and even more so in one intended chiefly for boys; butthe result proved that its intention was understood andappreciated. I should show myself ungrateful indeed if Iomitted, at the first opportunity, to record my deep sense ofthe kindly sympathy and approval with which that prefaceand the whole book were received by those reviewers—andthey were many—who favoured my work with a notice.

In this, my second attempt in the same direction, I amconscious that I have set myself a difficult task, for it is notan easy matter to give verisimilitude to a story of a visit toanother planet about which we necessarily know so little.Yet astronomy as a study is so fascinating, its mysteries andpossibilities are so wonderful, so boundless, its influences soelevating and ennobling, that little apology is needed forany effort to attract the attention of youthful readers to itby making it the subject of a romance.

Amongst other difficulties the story-writer here meetswith, by no means the least confronts him when he iscalled upon to decide which of various theories put forwardby different scientists he

BU KİTABI OKUMAK İÇİN ÜYE OLUN VEYA GİRİŞ YAPIN!

Sitemize Üyelik ÜCRETSİZDİR!