A fantasy novel published in 1892, which has been largely forgotten, but is an interesting addition to a genre which can be described as proto science fiction novels of the Victorian era. William Richard Bradshaw only wrote this one fantasy novel and little is known about the author, but this book lavishly produced with illustrations by eight different artists is something quite extraordinary. It has to be said though, that it does have its longueurs and takes some concentration to stick with it till the end.

It is an inner world novel, following in the footsteps of The Journey of Neils Klim's to the World Underground by Ludvig Holberg and more relevantly [Symzonia] by Adam Seaborn in 1820. Commander White and his handpicked crew of scientists and adventurers are searching for the fabled North West passage, determined to go further north than all previous exploration. After battering a passage through an ice wall they find an arctic sea and a passage to another world under the earth. They name this new world Plutusia and discover that because of it low gravity they can leap prodigiously; two human like men flying with the aid of metal wings approach their boat and are easily captured. They learn from these two the rudiments of the civilisation and sail on to meet the governing body. They find a near utopian civilisation and are welcomed as honoured guests.

The continent that they discover has been at peace for over 100 years and the people pride themselves on the scientific progress that they have made. Inventors, scientists are revered as god like figures. They have electricity and battery power which is used for winged transport. Huge metal, robot like machines provide transport overland. They have a king and governing body that are both elected on democratic principles. Commander White learns that there is also a mystical element to the civilisation, there is a living goddess who has her own magnificent city where can be found a priesthood made up of magicians, sorcerers and their acolytes, who in their search for Nirvana have achieved wonderful things. White is anxious to meet the goddess Lyone and has no trouble in gaining an audience. Lyone tells White that :

"By degrees, as the pride and power of the wealthy few were curbed and the condition of the masses raised to a more uniform and juster level, universal prosperity, growing rapidly richer, produced a fusion of art and progress. The physical man made powerful by science and the soul developed by art naturally produced the result of spiritual freedom. The enfranchised soul became free to explore the mysteries of nature and obtain a mastery over the occult forces residing therein."

The mastery over occult forces has enabled powerful sorcerers to create their own worlds and the power for this is provided by what they term as ideal love. The huge congregation surrounding Lyone are focused on merging twin souls in two bodies. Male and females come together in a sort of ecstasy of unrequited love, physical desire is encouraged and harnessed by the priesthood, but partners are not allowed to indulge in the forbidden fruit of sex. White is a witness to one of these extraordinary non sexual orgies which are interrupted when a couple are brought up to the dais accused of fornication: they are separately imprisoned for life. White falls in love and lust with Lyone which results in a challenge to the priesthood and leads to conflict and war. White launches a military campaign against the king which divides the country into civil war; tremendous battles are fought in the gravity less atmosphere 50 miles above the earth.

The book has elements of science fiction and fantasy, there is adventure and some good story telling, with the quasi religious, mystical elements amounting to something quite original. There is also however plenty of rather detailed descriptions of pageantry, of fine clothing and perfect manners; everybody behaves like a gentleman apart from the villains. There is certainly some repetition and the quality of the writing is only adequate. The illustrations are of mixed quality, but some are very fine indeed. A mixed bag then, but for the patient reader there is enough to merit 3.5 stars. ( )

There's a lot of interesting things in this book, not least of which is the very iffy reforms to utopia that the so called hero makes at the end.
This is about a ship which finds a way into the inner earth which turns out to be hollow. They then discovered the utopian society of Atvatabar.
Theres mecanical wing suits and giant mechanical ostriches, flying ships etc. Plus weird half plant half animal things and an interesting religion and social structure. Also actual magic, which is powered by magnets and celibacy! (and no that isn't a typo ).
The 3rd Act turns into a very pulpy adventure story with flying battles reminiscent of that 80's Flash Gordon movie with the Hawk-Men.
BUT none of this compensates for the authors terrible inability to stop describing shiny things. Palaces, jewels, sculptures, dresses, furniture, it just goes on and on and on. So glad i got through it and lots to think about, but can't recommend it. ( )