Voyages to the Moon and the Sun

Very glad to have read this novel, so full of imagination, humour, and suggestions. I was struck by the similarity to Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels, and Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach (Perhaps this letter comparison was partially influenced by the Quentin Blake illustrations).
I loved the way Cyrano incorporated classical myths, biblical figures, scientific and philosophical ideas. Indeed, Descartes has the last word in the novel; and Cyrano's depiction of Earthrise as seen from the moon is inspiring.
Much of the narrative is in the form of discourses between the hero and the beings he meets, and yet the plot follows a smooth transition from the earth, to the moon, to the earth, to the sun.
I was pleased to read somewhere show more that this is Quentin Blake's favourite story he has illustrated. I would have liked to find some of teh illustrations in colour, but these are all in B&W. show less

A remarkable book, written more than 350 years ago, narrates the journey (imagined?) of Cyrano to the moon and sun and provides comedy and escape in doing so. It clearly influenced Swift in his writing about Gulliver's Travels and provides material for many different types of readers and writers. Cyrano skewers conventional thinkers and the accepted wisdom by relating opinions of the "Great wits of the Sun" among others. It is truly a unique work that reminds me of Rabelais in its refusal to adhere to any literary rules.

I thought this was a comedy and expected something like the satire of Gulliver's Travels. However while there is some of that, there is far more focus on scientific and philosophical discussions. Its a little hard to understand in places but the ideas discussed are really interesting.

A hodgepodgy book in which Cyrano appears to be experimenting with or mocking several different styles, as well as lecturing on or mocking a variety of scientific and religious ideas. Apart from the fun of recognizing things which Rostand referenced in writing his play, it is most fun as a sampling of ideas from its time and for its hints of Gulliver's Travels which was certainly influenced by it. By the time I finished reading I had stopped hearing it in Jose Ferrer's voice.

When I remember these stories were penned almost 400 years ago, it makes me appreciate their ideas and early science fiction. Every page delivers evidence of a fantasic imagination. Ideas which must have pushed the boundaries of accepted theory.
I must admit that sometimes I did not follow Cyrano's dialogue, but I am glad I have read it and can identify with many tales that have followed from it, from Lilliput to Dr Who's tardis, and "talking books".

I enjoyed it quite a lot. I really love silly stories and recommend it if you do too. The Voyage to the Moon is the most SF, but there are scientific ideas scattered throughout.

Loved this book. It was my transition from high school French to reading for pleasure.