Jules Verne Publishes From the Earth to the Moon

Date: 1865 A.D.
Author: Jules Verne, French writer

Dear Journal,
     I just got back from ballooning with Nadar, my good aerial photographing friend. The wind was strong this time as we flew over Paris while he was suspended under the balloon, clicking away. Ballooning is such a thrilling experience as defying gravity creates a mix of fear and fun.
     Anyway I sent From the Earth to the Moon to the publisher today. Hopefully, it will tingle the minds of many, both young and old. I put a lot of effort in ensuring that the story is scientifically sound in going to astronomers to check my calculations and reading Newton's Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy to ensure that such a flight to the moon would be possible. 
     The three characters of my moon trop will be shot out of a gigantic cannon named the Columbiad. During the trip, they will show off to each other their scientific and mathematical skills. They nearly crash into the moon but are saved by a second moon whose gravitational pull curves their aluminum projectile to a soft splashdown in the sea, which will be further described in the sequel Around the Moon. I fancy my story will inspire interest in space and in reaching it.