Voyage dans la Lune

Voyage dans la Lune
by Cyrano de Bergerac
Adopted for Conservation by
Elizabeth Nesbitt (NASM Docent) and Ken Bourque in honor of Fred Ordway.
on August 22, 2019
Book Cover Illustration

Voyage dans la lune, ou, Histoire comique des états & empires de la lune

By Cyrano de Bergerac. Paris: Les Éditions de l'Équipe, 1946.

The Other World: Comical History of the States and Empires of the Moon was the first of three satirical novels written by Cyrano de Bergerac (1619-1655) and published in 1657. It is considered one of the earliest published science fiction stories.  Arthur C. Clarke credited the book with the first description of rocket-powered space flight and with the invention of the ramjet. This 1946 volume is a limited reprint of only 395 copies. The bookplate just inside the book cover confirms that it was once owned by Frederick I. Ordway III (1927-2014), an educator, consultant, researcher, and prolific author on space flight. It is well illustrated and a unique work that is part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Library rare book collection.

Condition and Treatment: 

This is a mid-20th century limited edition volume that is housed unbound in a portfolio and slipcase. The tissues protecting the cover and plates are folded and wrinkled in places. There are signs of mild foxing towards the end of the textblock. The slipcase has pieces of covering paper detaching at the head and tail.  Conservators will flatten the wrinkled tissues on the cover and textblock. The detaching paper on the slipcase will be repaired and readhered. A double tray box will be created to house and protect this unique item.

Discover more about this book in our Catalog.

Adoption Type: Preserve for the Future