Author: Charles Romyn Dake

Charles Romyn Dake, a lesser-known yet intriguing figure in the annals of American literature, is primarily recognized for his contribution to the genre of science fiction with his novel “A Strange Discovery” published in 1899. This book stands as a sequel to Edgar Allan Poe”s unfinished novel “The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket” and is seen as an early instance of hollow Earth fiction. Dake”s literary style in “A Strange Discovery” reflects a vivid imagination intertwined with an appreciation for Poe”s work, as he ventures to complete the narrative arc initially set forth by Poe. Implementing a blend of adventure, mystery, and speculative science, Dake extends the exploration of the southern extremities of the Earth, delving into the elements of a subterranean world with its own inner light source, a concept which would later become a notable trope in science fiction literature. Though the novel did not attain widespread acclaim, it remains a subject of interest for scholars examining the development of science fiction and the influence of Poe on subsequent writers. Unfortunately, Dake did not produce a notable body of work beyond this novel, which may be attributed to his early death, but “A Strange Discovery” ensures his unique contribution to early American science fiction is not entirely forgotten.