of Samosata Lucian Book order (chronological)

B&R Samizdat Express edition, including Instructtions from Writing History as well as The True History, with links from the table of contents. According to Wikipedia: "True History or True Story is a travel tale by the Greek-speaking Syrian author Lucian of Samosata, the earliest known fiction about travelling to outer space, alien life-forms and interplanetary warfare. Written in the 2nd century, the novel has been referred to as "the first known text that could be called science fiction". The work was intended by Lucian as a satire against contemporary and ancient sources, which quote fantastic and mythical events as truth... Lucian of Samosata (Greek: Λουκιανός ὁ Σαμοσατεύς, Latin: Lucianus Samosatensis; c. A.D. 125 – after A.D. 180) was a rhetorician, and satirist who wrote in the Greek language. He is noted for his witty and scoffing nature. "

The work presents a collection of dialogues by Lucian, focusing on themes of life, death, and the human condition through satirical and philosophical conversations. This reprint preserves the original text from 1779, offering readers an authentic glimpse into Lucian's wit and critical perspective on society. The dialogues explore the absurdities of life and the nature of existence, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in classical literature and philosophical discourse.

A satirical view of History, where 'True History' is, as the author himself acknowledges, a collection of ingenious lies,

A Greek-educated Syrian, Lucian wrote witty pieces that demonstrate a profound skepticism for religion and philosophy and encourage honest living and good sense. “Chattering Courtesans” is a series of short dialogues in which the amusing gossip of “kept women” gives rise to a discussion of more serious subjects such as love, sex, and marriage. Other comic dialogues in this volume show Lucian making fun of fanaticism and mocking pretension, hypocrisy, and the vanity of human wealth and power, while in “Diatribes” he targets a range of subjects, from scandal and money to death, in order to demonstrate the follies of contemporary life. Also included here is Lucian’s most famous work, True Histories, which inspired imaginary voyages, from More’s Utopia to Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels. First time in Penguin Classics Keith Sidwell's new translation captures Lucian's lively informal humor and rich variety of styles Introduction discusses the influence on Lucian of earlier Greek writers and philosophers, as well as Lucian's influence on later European culture Includes preface to each section, suggestions for further reading, explanatory notes, and a glossary of names