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Somnium - a new translation into English
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From Goodreads guidelines:Please DO
* When requesting addition of a translated edition, include links to the original work (or other already existing editions) on Goodreads. This will help Librarians to combine the translation with its parent-work.
Michael wrote: "* Title: Somnium: Seu Opus Posthumum de Astronomia Lunari * Author(s) name(s): Johannes Kepler; Translator: Michael Windsperger
* ISBN (or ASIN): none
* Publisher: Black Letter Press
* Publication..."
Other editions of Somnium on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/work/editio...
Cristina wrote: "Also: no ISBN?"Correct. The publisher (Black Letter Press) did not assign an ISBN to this book.
Michael wrote: "* Title: Somnium: Seu Opus Posthumum de Astronomia Lunari * Author(s) name(s): Johannes Kepler; Translator: Michael Windsperger
* ISBN (or ASIN): none
* Publisher: Black Letter Press
* Publication..."
Hi, we appreciate your patience as we work through the tremendous backlog. The website you provided doesn't show all the book details. We need a webpage showing the book data to validate the info. It should be non-bookseller site (Amazon & AbeBooks excepted), so from the publisher, library or another acceptable site: https://help.goodreads.com/s/article/..., if you have the book, we can use a scan/photo of your copy for the cover and the page with the publication information (you can upload a scan/photo of your own to the "more photos..." section of your profile (https://www.goodreads.com/photo/new) in the browser, not the app), then copy the link here and a librarian can add it. Make sure you state the source of the photo in the text and that your account settings are public (not private).
Archiving due to non-response. You are welcome to add a new request if you'd still like this book to be added. In that case follow the guidelines as per GR template ‘How to request a book to be added to Goodreads’ (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...).Don't reply to this post as once it's archived it's unlikely to be read by a librarian.
* Author(s) name(s): Johannes Kepler; Translator: Michael Windsperger
* ISBN (or ASIN): none
* Publisher: Black Letter Press
* Publication Date Year: 2025
* Publication Date Month: February
* Publication Date Day: /
* Page count: 164
* Format: Hardcover
* Description: Somnium ("The Dream") by Johannes Kepler is a captivating blend of science fiction, astronomy, and mythology, written in 1608 and published posthumously in 1634. This ground-breaking work explores the possibility of traveling to the Moon, offering a unique perspective on celestial phenomena through the lens of a dreamlike narrative.
The story follows a young Icelandic boy and his mother, a healer and sorceress, who summon a daemon to learn about the Moon. Through the daemon's account, Kepler vividly describes a fantastical journey to the Moon, envisioning what life might be like for its inhabitants and how Earth would appear from a lunar perspective.
This imaginative tale serves as a vehicle for Kepler to explore the astronomical concepts of his time, particularly heliocentrism—the revolutionary idea that the Sun, not Earth, is at the centre of the universe. By situating these ideas within a fictional framework, he bridges the gap between scientific thought and creative speculation. The daemon's description of the Moon includes its harsh environment, long day-night cycles, and how its geography might affect its hypothetical inhabitants. Kepler’s portrayal of the Earth as viewed from the Moon invites readers to reconsider their understanding of the universe from a different vantage point.
The work also reflects elements of Kepler's own life. The protagonist’s mother, a central figure in the narrative, is often seen as a nod to Kepler’s real mother, who faced accusations of witchcraft during her lifetime. Through this personal connection, Somnium becomes more than just a scientific or speculative work—it is also a deeply human story about struggle, perspective, and imagination.
Often regarded as one of the earliest examples of science fiction, Somnium remains a testament to Kepler’s visionary thinking. Long before space exploration was conceivable, Kepler dreamed of journeys beyond Earth and introduced readers to the vast possibilities of the cosmos. His work continues to inspire, offering a timeless blend of scientific curiosity and creative wonder.
This edition is a beautiful tribute to Kepler’s work. The translation by Michael Windsperger stays true to Kepler’s original text while making it accessible to modern readers. It invites you to explore Kepler’s fascinating vision of space and humanity's place in it, presented in a timeless and elegant form.
* Language: English (translated from Latin)
* Link to book page which includes the cover: https://www.blackletter-press.com/pro...