
A young explorer’s fascination with the night sky sets the stage for an adventure that blends imagination with the wonder of real astronomy. The author explains, in a friendly preface, that the tale will rest on a plausible—but deliberately chosen—view of Mars, one where the planet’s air is thicker than Earth’s. This careful balance of fact and fancy invites listeners to learn a little about the science of space while being swept up in a daring romance of discovery.
When a spectacular meteorite streaks across the heavens, two spirited friends—Jack, the pragmatic leader, and Gerald, the dreamy night‑bird—feel an irresistible pull toward the red planet. Their curiosity drives them to design a daring voyage, turning lofty ideas into a concrete plan. As the story lifts off, listeners are carried along with the excitement of preparation, the promise of unknown horizons, and the timeless thrill of setting out on a journey that could change everything.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (417K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2013-12-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1847–1927
A lively British adventure writer, he filled late-Victorian and Edwardian fiction with lost worlds, strange islands, airships, and trips to Mars. Writing under the name Frank Aubrey, he became one of the early popularizers of science-flavored adventure for younger readers.
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