Auteur: 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.