The Blazing World

There are many books of science fiction, but this is one of the oldest. Because it was written by a duchess three and a half centuries ago, it should more appropriately be called a forerunner to science fiction. This work of utopian fiction is the only known work of its kind written by a woman in the 17th century that takes place in an imaginary kingdom that can be reached via the North Pole. Throughout the story, a woman becomes empress of a talking animal society in this other world. The underwater forces of fish men and their avian allies are in a constant battle with the enemies of the Kingdom of Esfi.