Title and Dedication Page
1769
Imagine a 1769 travel guide, but for the Moon! This elaborate title page introduces an Italian edition of Bishop John Wilkins' fantastical 1638 book about a journey to the Moon, dedicated to the British envoy in Naples. Engraved by Filippo Morghen, the text lists lunar oddities like flying chariots, boats powered by giant bladders, and wild beasts. The whimsical border, bursting with oversized plants and shells, frames a scene at the bottom where curious figures inspect a strange, boxy contraption. It's a delightful glimpse into early science fiction, blending real scientific curiosity with pure imagination long before space travel was possible.
- Technique
- engraving