BERGERAC, Cyrano de (1619-1655). Selenarchia. Or, the Government of the World in the Moon: A Comical History. Thomas St. Serf, translator. London: J. Cottrel for Hum. Robinson, 1659.

8vo. Engraved frontispiece. (Lacking initial blank, worming along bottom edge and outer margin to title-page, frontispiece and several with paper repairs occasionally affecting letters.) Later half calf, marbled sides. Provenance: John Gurnor (early ownership inscription); Gary Munson (his sale, Heritage Auctions, 2 February 2023, lot 70014).

FIRST ENGLISH EDITION of this astronomical fantasy novel and precursor to the science-fiction genre that envisions a journey to the moon and describing its inhabitants and society. Several of these fantasy societies were to influence Jonathan Swift fifty years later. ESTC R18714.