The First Science Fiction Novel Ever Written

Science fiction has long been a lens through which humanity envisions the future, but where did it all begin? While many credit Frankenstein (1818) as the genre’s origin, the roots of sci-fi stretch further back. The first true work of science fiction is often considered The Blazing World (1666) by Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle. This novel wasn’t just ahead of its time—it was a radical fusion of philosophy, feminism, and interdimensional travel. Written in the 17th century, it imagined a parallel universe accessed via the North Pole, populated by talking animals and ruled by a powerful Empress. Cavendish’s vision explored the limits of knowledge, the potential of scientific discovery, and the idea of a utopian society shaped by intellect rather than force.

But even earlier works hint at science fiction’s deep history. Lucian of Samosata’s A True Story (2nd century CE) described space travel, extraterrestrial life, and interplanetary warfare—satirical in tone but unmistakably speculative in nature. In medieval times, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (10th century Japan) introduced an alien princess, possibly the first recorded account of an extraterrestrial being in literature. These stories laid the groundwork for later visions of space, technology, and the unknown.

As the Age of Enlightenment fueled scientific curiosity, writers began weaving real discoveries into their speculative worlds. Johannes Kepler’s Somnium (1634) explored lunar travel, Isaac Newton’s theories, and the challenges of space exploration. By the time Mary Shelley penned Frankenstein, science fiction had evolved from myth and philosophy into a genre driven by speculation and scientific plausibility. Today, the genre continues to shape how we dream of the future, proving that humanity’s thirst for the unknown is as old as storytelling itself.

The First AI in Literature Wasn’t a Computer—It Was a Clockwork Machine

Its true! One of the earliest depictions of artificial intelligence in literature dates back to 1771? Before Dune’s thinking machines and Frankenstein’s creature, L’Automate by French writer Jean-Baptiste de Vaucanson introduced the concept of a mechanical being capable of independent thought. Inspired by real-life automata—intricately designed clockwork machines that could write, play music, or even mimic human speech—this novel explored the idea of artificial intelligence long before computers existed.

While early sci-fi often speculated about celestial travel and lost civilizations, L’Automate delved into something even more prescient: the fear and fascination surrounding human-made intelligence. As technology advanced, so did our literary machines, leading to the sophisticated AI of today’s science fiction. In a way, the mechanical minds of Dune: Prophecy—and our own modern world—owe a small debt to a French clockmaker’s automaton.

Our personality quizzes are set up a little differently than your basic trivia quiz, but you’ve probably seen their kind around. Rather than having to choose the right answer from a list of multiple choice options, in this case, there is no “right answer”! (Two plus two will always be four, but every Golden Girls character is equally awesome.)

So, stop stressing. Just click on the answer that suits you best, and enjoy the ride. These quizzes are just for fun but who knows – you might just learn something about yourself along the way!