First Men in the Moon

H. G. Wells' 1901 science fiction novel, "e;The First Men in the Moon"e;, is the story of an impoverished businessman, Mr. Bedford, who retreats to the countryside for some rest from the weary of modern life and to try his hand at authoring a play. While there he meets an eccentric scientist, Dr. Cavor, who is developing a new material, 'cavorite', which is designed to shield off gravity. When it is discovered that the material works and can be practically fashioned into a spaceship, the two undertake a mission to the moon. There they discover that the moon is inhabited by a sinister alien civilization, whom the call "e;the Selenites"e;. Fashioned as a criticism against imperialism, "e;The First Men in the Moon"e; draws upon a theme common to Wells' work, that of the impact of technology on society and the challenges that humans face in the modern world.