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The True Story pdf by Satirist Lucian of Samosata, Born 125 AD in Roman Syria - This tract that parodies Homer's Odyssey is regarded by many as the first ever science fiction work insofar as the protagonist visits the Moon, meets extraterrestrial creatures and takes part in interplanetary warfare     (www.gutenberg.org)
submitted by MartinTimothy to books 2.1 years ago (+14/-1)
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https://www.gutenberg.org/files/45858/45858-h/45858-h.htm

Widely hailed as the first ever science fiction story, A True Story by Lucian of Samosata is a voyage to the edges of the universe and reason, the title is the first clue that this will be a tall tale and as much a predecessor of Douglas Adams as Jules Verne.

Lucian's fantasy explores not only outer space where he brokers war and peace between the inhabitants of the Sun and Moon, but also the Elysian fields, the geography of the Odyssey and the interior of a giant whale.

We get to meet Homer, Pythagoras, Socrates and other immortals, as well as a host of bizarre creatures .. the text is riddled with puns, innuendo, parody and satire, however much of this humor will escape the modern reader, suffice it to say this was considered pretty funny in the second century CE. ScaredTexts.com.
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My Experiences as an Executioner - The chronicles of James Berry, Victorian era hangman who executed one hundred and thirty one felons including five women in eight yrs, he says he was in it for the money and was paid £10.00 per hanging £5.00 if the condemned man or woman got a last minute reprieve     (www.gutenberg.org)
submitted by MartinTimothy to books 2.2 years ago (+4/-0)
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https://www.gutenberg.org/files/46579/46579-h/46579-h.htm

https://i.postimg.cc/yYrmy90r/James-Berry-Business-Card2.png

My brother,—Sit and think,
While yet some hours on earth are left to thee;
Kneel to thy God, who does not from thee shrink,
And lay thy sins on Christ, who died for thee.

He rests His wounded hand
With loving kindness, on thy sin-stained brow,
And says—“Here at thy side I ready stand,
To make thy scarlet sins as white as snow.

“I did not shed My blood
For sinless angels, good and pure and true;
For hopeless sinners flowed that crimson flood,
My heart’s blood ran for you, my son, for you.

“Though thou hast grieved me sore,
My arms of mercy still are open wide,
I still hold open Heaven’s shining door,
Come then—take refuge in My wounded side.

“Men shun thee—but not I,
Come close to me—I love my erring sheep.
My blood can cleanse thy sins of blackest dye,
I understand, if thou canst only weep.”

Words fail thee—never mind,
Thy Saviour can read e’en a sigh, or tear;
I came, sin-stricken heart, to heal and bind,
And died to save thee—to My heart thou’rt dear.

Come now—the time is short,
Longing to pardon and to bless, I wait;
Look up to Me, My sheep so dearly bought,
And say, “forgive me, e’er it is too late.”

“For one under Sentence of Death,” lines which Mr. Berry had for a long time sent to the chaplain in every case where a sentence to death was to be carried out, with a request that they should be read to the prisoner. Gutenberg.

Links ..

Full Text pdf.

James Berry, Celebrity Executioner.

The Fascinating Life of Executioner James Berry.

Peter Harrington - James Berry, My Experiences as an Executioner.